HONG
KONG
ANNUAL
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
1964-65
DIRECTOR OF
FIRE SERVICES
HONG KONG
ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
BY THE
DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES
R. G. COX
O.B.E., G.M., C.ST.J., J.P., M.I. FIRE E,
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR 1964-65
Printed by
Cathay Press, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
and published by the Government Printer, Government Press, Hong Kong
EXCHANGE RATES
When dollars are quoted in this Report, they are, unless otherwise stated, Hong Kong dollars. The official rate for conversion to pound sterling is HK$16=£1 (HK$1=ls. 3d.). The official rate for conversion to U.S. dollars is HK$5.714-US$1 (based on £1=US$2.80).
CONTENTS
GENERAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR
FIRE SERVICE
AMBULANCE SERVICE
STAFF CHANGES
HONOURS, AWARDS AND FINANCE
BUILDINGS AND ACCOMMODATION
TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS
OPERATIONS GENERALLY CAUSES OF FIRES
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
SUMMARY OF CALLS -
FIRES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
•
+
SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
SKIN DIVING SERVICE
'TRAINING
PHYSICAL FITNESS
WELFARE
·
TRANSPORT AND WORKSHOPS
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
STAFF ASSOCIATIONS
APPRECIATION
APPENDICES
Appendix
I. Organizational Chart.
II.
Causes of Fires, Deaths and Injuries.
III. Special Service Call Analysis.
IV.
Fire Prevention Statistics.
V. Summary of Appliances and Equipment. VI. Statement of Welfare Fund.
VII. Workshops Statistics.
VIII.
Distribution of Staff.
111
Paragraphs
2-7
8-20
21-24
25-27
•
28-29
·
30-31
32-52
53-57
58-64
65-66
67-70
71-107
108-157
158
159-161
. 162-164 . 165-170
·
[
171-173
•
174-201
. 202-203
204-210
PREAMBLE
Due to my retirement in August 1965, after 32 years service, this will be my last Annual Report, and I am, therefore, taking the unusual step of prefacing my report with a few personal comments.
A quotation of the late Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, namely 'Never in the field of human conflict. . .' could with justice be applied to members of the Hong Kong Fire Services.
Since 1960, when factual statistics discriminating between 'actual rescues' and merely leading persons to safety were first introduced, the Hong Kong Fire Service has rescued more than 3,000 persons from certain death or fatal injuries. During the same period 2 members of the Service died as a result of injuries sustained in the course of their duties and 376 were injured and hospitalized.
Although spectacular fires and special services make headline news, in general the Fire Service is very much (if one excludes its sirens!) a silent Service. The major proportion of its work goes on unseen in the anonimity provided either by nightfall; the unlit stairways and corners of a smoke laden building; the depths of wells; the bowels of a ship, or in the frightening isolation of dense smoke on the top round of a turntable ladder.
Looking back over the past 7 years in Hong Kong, I shall always be grateful for the opportunity of commanding what I believe to be the most hardworking, patient, and courageous of all men I have served with, namely the Chinese Fireman.
iv
GENERAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR
THE activities of the Department during the past year have been characteristic of Hong Kong, namely, increases all round.
2. Outbreaks of fire increased by 70% and special service calls by 75%. There were an unprecedented number of occasions when the full scale mobilization of professionals and Auxiliaries for extended periods, due to typhoons, was necessary.
3. Recruiting difficulties at every level of entry into the Service have increased to a degree which (unless we can devise in the coming year effective remedies) may threaten the Service's effectiveness and efficiency within the next five years.
4. Long experience in intimate contact with the variety of misfortunes which befall the public in a crowded metropolis gives rise to a great deal of 'crystal gazing' by Senior Commanders in an attempt to anticipate, and therefore plan for, the 'visitation' of fires and other calamities.
5. A study of climatic conditions over the past 10 years influenced us in the belief that as floods not infrequently follow droughts, we could expect landslides and house collapses of abnormal proportions.
6. Following a relatively 'light' year in 1963/64 so far as major fires were concerned, it was highly probable that 1964/65 would prove to be a most trying period. We expected a troublesome year with squatter fires. Previous statistics also indicated that major fires in industry and shipping might be above average.
7. In few public services does the expression 'man proposes, God disposes' apply so aptly as it does to the Fire Service. Our predictions were accurate in only two areas, namely major fires in industry and an increase in incidents generally; however, in these areas advance planning paid handsome dividends.
FIRE SERVICE
8. A major highlight of the year has been the emergence of the fact that in Hong Kong, the winter months can no longer be taken in isolation as representing the critical period for outbreaks of fire. A side effect of
1
the extraordinary rate of development of multi-storey buildings in the Colony has been the 'levelling off' of emergency calls between winter and summer. This statement is borne out by the following analysis:
OUTBREAKS OF FIRE
April-October (traditional fire 'free' period) November-March (traditional fire season)
April 1964
May 1964
June 1964
July 1964
DIRECT FINANCIAL LOSSES
1712 fires (12 major) 1792 fires (7 major)
$ 26,865 2,588,331
274,547
1,335,615
August 1964 September 1964 October 1964
November 1964
December 1964
January 1965.
February 1965
March 1965
Total:
•
•
2,027,464
36,929
131,735
455,242
1,580,774
632,762
642,570
38,765
$9,771,599
9. This levelling out process, if repeated in future years, will have a very substantial effect on Fire Service policy. In the past we have been able to work personnel during the winter months to the point of exhaus- tion knowing that they could relax and recuperate during the summer months when a reduction in standards of protection could be safely tolerated and they could be granted compensatory leave for the hundreds of hours of voluntary unpaid overtime performed by all ranks during the winter months. Moreover, Staff Officers, Workshops and Stores could look forward to a period when time could be found to catch up with backlog of work created during the 'Fire Season'. The disappearance of this operational 'off season' will, inter alia, make increases in man- power inevitable.
2
10. The second highlight has been the extent to which the Fire Prevention Bureau has developed into 'the general watchdog over public safety'. This state of affairs has very largely been due to the following factors:
(1) the effect of the fire hazard abatement powers granted to the Director early
in 1964;
(2) legislation enacted in April 1964 prescribing for the publication of minimum
standards of Fire Service installations in buildings; and
(3) the extraordinary increase in the number of reports and complaints (now running at 500 per month) from the public relating to life and fire hazards in 'high blocks'.
11. The 1965 Chinese New Year celebrations passed with a relatively modest increase in the number of fires directly attributable to the dis- charge of fireworks. Clearly there is no case to abolish this traditional practice; nevertheless the time has come when the discharge of fire- crackers of an explosive character should be banned, except under special permit. Traditional arguments for 'loud bangs' appear to have been demolished, and prohibition of this type of firework would virtually eliminate or at least substantially reduce casualties during Chinese New Year celebrations and abbreviate the number of 'firework fires' to negligible proportions at all times.
REORGANIZATION
12. The Department was completely reorganized in 1961 following approval of a 10 year development plan. Experience over 4 years has indicated that the plan requires major modification in only two respects. In one case remedial action has already been taken; the other aspect is now receiving attention.
13. In the first place it was found that the division of the mainland into two districts, Kowloon and the New Territories, was unnecessary from an operational and an administrative point of view and that such an arrangement was not in the best interests of the Department or of the public. Starting on 1st April 1965 therefore all fire and ambulance services on the mainland are to be placed under the command of a single Chief Fire and Ambulance Officer. Concurrently with this change, Hong Kong island, together with offshore islands and all marine risks is to be placed under the command of another Chief Fire and Ambulance Officer. The other matter, which is now receiving attention, is the position of the Ambulance Service; this is elaborated in paragraph 21. There have
3
been certain other minor organizational changes. The organization of the Department is shown in line chart form in Appendix I.
SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVISIONS
14. A vital addition was made to Fire Commands in the latter part of the year, namely the establishment either side of the harbour of "Search and Rescue Divisions'. From the Commanding Officers down to the lowest rank, personnel for these Divisions have been selected for their exceptionally high standard of physical fitness, courage, initiative and endurance. The work of each Division embraces search and rescue in 'tall blocks', rescues at landslides and house collapses and all other occurrences where lives are imperilled. In some respects these Divisions are the 'Corps Elite' of the Service.
AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT
15. Fire Service personnel at the Airport continue to play a vital role in public safety. During the year under review they dealt with 82 incidents with the speed and efficiency which all of us have now come to accept as synonymous with this important Division of the Service.
FIRE SERVICE AUXILIARIES
16. The Auxiliaries have performed splendidly during the year; their service during the many typhoons was outstanding, as was their work at a major tactical exercise at the Shell Installation, Kwun Tong on 28th February 1965.
17. The Auxiliaries Band, in addition to its official functions, brought great pleasure to thousands of people at concerts given in the public parks and playgrounds. This Band is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in existence that is maintained without charge to the taxpayer.
MAJOR PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FIRE SERVICE 18. It has become virtually impossible to make direct entry appoint- ments into the following grades:
(1) Fire Officers Cl. III (trainee officers)
(2) Firemen (heavy vehicle drivers)
(3) Ambulance Supervisors
(4) Bilingual staff for Fire and Ambulance Controls and Station Watchrooms.
4
19. As problems have been so great, and are by no means of recent origin, very careful analysis of causes have been maintained, possible remedies examined, and where practicable these have been tried. The simple fact in all areas is, however, that there are better paid jobs in commercial and industrial fields with more freedom and less personal risk, and so long as this remains so, no remedy within our present concept of the ranking system will prove anything more than temporary.
20. The most serious affect on the well-being of the Service is our continuing inability to recruit suitable trainee officers (i.e. Fire Officers Cl. III). In this echelon we remain 65% under establishment, and if a solution is not found within the next 18 months considerable recruitment of overseas officers will be necessary to avoid organizational collapse of the intermediate echelons. In the long term the situation is extremely serious as we lack the facilities to produce sufficient officers of local origin to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Senior Officers.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
21. As was mentioned in paragraph 13 the position of the Ambulance Service has been under consideration in the light of experience since the inception of the 10 year development plan. It is probable that the Ambulance Service, whilst remaining under the overall control of the Fire Services Department, will have to be developed as a separate Service.
22. Interchange with comparable ranks in the Fire Service has failed to produce the right person for what is after all a very different career. 'The supervisors in charge of ambulances in Hong Kong not only need to be experienced male nurses but also have to base their treatment on their own preliminary diagnosis. They need, as do also their assistants, to be bilingual, to possess high standards of initiative, powers of decision and the capability of working under highly emotional circumstances without guidance or supervision. Persons with such attributes can only be attracted to the Service if there are prospects of an attractive career.
23. The co-ordination, deployment and training of ambulance personnel serving a population of nearly 4 million in a territory where a hypercritical eye must of necessity be maintained over expenditure requires the whole time services of professional officers, and 'Fire Officers' find it hard to give such attention to ambulance duties. Proposals to remedy the deficiencies referred to are being considered.
5
24. Demands on the Ambulance Service continue to increase and further expansion of resources cannot be avoided. This is particularly applicable to V.H.F. communications between Ambulance Controls and ambulances. Consideration is being given to equipping all ambulances with two-way radio.
ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF CHANGES
25. The Department is headed by a Director who is assisted by a Deputy Director. For operational purposes the Department is divided into two areas, each commanded by a Chief Fire and Ambulance Officer. For administrative and technical purposes the Department is divided into a number of groups. Details of all these arrangements are set out in Appendix I.
26. Approved establishment for the year was 231 officers, 2,062 other ranks and minor staff and 95 clerical service officers.
27. Approval was given during the year to my retirement in 1966, and the appointment of Mr. J. MIlner, m.i. fire E., A.M.I.B.E., as Director designate.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
28. The following members of the Service were honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of the Colonial Police Medal (Fire Service version) for Meritorious Service:
Senior Fire Officer Class I Principal Fireman
Mr. H. T. J. HUTCHINS
Mr. LIU Fai
His Excellency the Governor approved the award of Belilios Stars to Firemen CHOI Fat-po and NG Chun-kwong for bravery at sea during Typhoon Ruby.
FINANCE
29. Expenditure on the Fire Service was $16.5 m. and on the Ambulance Service $1·6 m. Based on the population of 3-6 m. the cost per capita to provide Fire and Ambulance Services and Fire Service Auxiliaries was $5, which is an increase of 50 cents per capita over the previous year. By contrast (comparison is difficult) the per capita cost in Britain is $8 for the Fire Service only.
6
BUILDINGS AND ACCOMMODATION
30. There has been little change in the overall situation as reported in my 1963/64 Report nor is any likely until the extensive Fire and Ambulance Services building programme gathers momentum which on present indications is unlikely before 1966.
31. Clearly, since the 10 year Fire and Ambulance Services Develop- ment Plan was approved in 1960, this is the one area where resources have failed to keep pace with need.
TRAINING (INTERNAL)
32. In a highly industrialized and rapidly growing community such as Hong Kong the standard of technical knowledge required by members of the Fire Service continues to increase.
33. Members of any Fire Service (and ours is no exception) can extinguish fires either cheaply or expensively; the differential between these two extremes can (very largely) be measured in terms of training.
34. There are now more than 7,000 'high blocks' in Hong Kong, many with populations ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 persons.
35. The mixed occupancy factors in tens of thousand of buildings in Hong Kong produce life and fire hazards of an unique proportion, presenting always the omni-present risk of life losses on unprecedented scales. It is a sad commentary on our times that the era of fire resistant construction in Hong Kong has served to increase, rather than decrease hazards to life, by transferring the medium from fatal burns to mass asphyxiation.
36. Scarcity of land and the vital need to obtain maximum develop- ment therefrom has served to provide the Fire Service in Hong Kong with problems which do not exist even in cities in other countries where 'tall blocks' have been a familiar sight since the turn of this century.
37. It is not surprising therefore that we in the Department view with continuing apprehension the relatively low level of technical knowledge possessed by the ordinary rank and file members who form the greater part of our resources.
38. This is all the more distressing in that we cannot make any substantial headway against deficiencies in training until the Central Fire Training School, Sek Kong is commissioned.
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TRAINING (EXTERNAL)
39. Our most important contribution to public safety in 1964/65 was series of Special Fire Protection and Prevention Courses conducted for several hundred employees of industrial undertakings. These courses were sponsored by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and were supplemented by the publication of a 'Fire Protection in Factories' handbook prepared by the Fire Prevention Bureau.
40. Courses of instruction in Fire Prevention generally and Fire Service organization in particular, were given to the Faculty of Architec- ture of the Hong Kong University; the Senior Staff Courses and Inspectors' Advance Courses of the Police Force; hotel staff, Govern- ment servants, Kaifongs, Lion Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and the occupants of numerous institutions.
41. Talks by Fire Officers on street corners using mobile public address systems were numerous and as far as one can judge (namely no subsequent record of fires in the districts concerned) were effective.
EXAMINATIONS GENERALLY
INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS EXAMINATION
42. 49 officers sat for the annual examination at the Hong Kong Centre of the Institution of Fire Engineers and the results (3 additional Associates and 8 Graduates) were most encouraging.
43. Membership of the Hong Kong Branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers now stands at:
5 Members
17 Associate Members
29 Graduate Members
1 Licentiate Member
35 Students
44. The Branch gave its first annual dinner at the Mandarin Hotel to which the Chairmen and members of other Engineering and Architec- tural Institutions were invited. Functions of this nature make a positive contribution to the orderly development of the Colony, providing as they do timely opportunities for frank discussion on what is best in the general interests of the public.
8
DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATIONS
PROMOTIONAL OR EFFICIENCY BAR EXAMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS
45. 79 officers sat and 51 qualified at Stages I, II and III Professional Examinations. The percentage of passes shows an improvement over previous years, the primary reason being increased standards of know- ledge acquired by officers whilst studying for the Degrees of the Institu- tion of Fire Engineers.
RANK AND FILE PROMOTION EXAMINATIONS
46. 270 members of the Rank and File sat and 144 qualified at various Promotion Certificate Examinations.
PASSING OUT EXAMINATIONS FOR FIREMEN CLASS II RECRUITS
47. 270 recruits were examined at the end of 6 months initial training and 241 qualified for posting to stations for operational duties and station training.
OFFICERS DIRECT ENTRY EXAMINATIONS
48. A total of 74 candidates sat the Entrance Examination at 5 centres, but only 3 obtained a pass. The depressingly high percentage of failures was primarily due to lack of comprehension and sub-standard ability in English, Mathematics and Chemistry.
CHANGES IN EXAMINATIONS
49. An important change was made during the year on methods of examinations. Demands on the Service in recent years have expanded so much as to make necessary a policy of 'specialization'.
50. The public is not best served by automatically selecting the next senior qualified officer to fill a specialist post if such an officer possesses no flair for, or special interest in that area.
51. Examinations for all levels of officers have therefore been sub- divided, or 'streamed' into:
(a) Operational Command and Tactics;
(b) Fire Prevention;
(c) Staff and other Specialists, i.e. Workshops, Training, etc.
9
52. This system provides all officers with great opportunities for rapid advancement in their field, without denying any officer the opportunity to advance in all, if he is capable of so doing.
OPERATIONS GENERALLY
53. Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Services responded during the year to 64,631 calls at which 227 members of the public died, 798 members of the public were injured (including 53 members of the Fire Services) and 930 members of the public were rescued.
54. Direct financial loss was $9.7 m. which is an increase of $5.3 m. .over the previous year.
55. Based on a population of 3-6 m., per capita loss was $2.77 which, although a substantial increase over the previous year, still compares very favourably with Britain's $18 per capita losses.
56. Of the total of $9.7 m., industrial fires accounted for $6.5 m., and one godown fire for $1.7 m.
57. The number of persons made semi-permanently homeless by fire during the year was less than those displaced by buildings declared too dangerous for human habitation.
CAUSES OF FIRES
58. Humidity continues to affect both the number and severity of fires, though less markedly than in previous years with the increasing preponderance of high block, reinforced concrete property. When the humidity percentage drops below temperature (F) within an average time of 6 hours outbreaks of fire increase threefold. This pattern con- tinues until temperatures (F) rise above humidity percentage by at least 10%.
59. As I have commented before, extensive scientific research into this partially understood phenomena might produce attractive dividends throughout the world.
60. Classification of supposed causes of fire is set out in Appendix II and shows little change in pattern of previous years.
10
61. Where Governments succeed in their efforts to deter 'today's children' from becoming tomorrow's 'tobacco addicts' the effect on Fire Service expenditure in future years could be very considerable. Intensified efforts to deter the public from interfering with electrical circuits and equipment coupled with the enforced use of 'foolproof' circuit breakers would achieve similar results.
62. The provision of statutory powers to enable the courts to punish carelessness in the matter of fires in like manner to motoring and other offences against the 'person' would, combined with anti-smoking and anti-electrical hazard measures, result in dramatic reductions in Fire Service expenditure and fire losses throughout the world.
63. It appears an odd reflection on our times that whilst a motorist found guilty of careless driving can and often is punished, the person who carelessly starts a fire (which not infrequently results in loss of life, loss of homes, and considerable financial loss and unemployment) seldom, if ever, is held responsible for his act.
64. As will be seen from the 70% increase in incidents of fires and notwithstanding the tremendous efforts of Kaifongs, of our Fire Prevention Bureau and of the Government Information Services, the public in general remain indifferent to the damaging effect on their well being and the Colony's economy of their carelessness in the matter of fires.
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
65. Fire calls in Hong Kong are classified as follows:
Small fires
►
First Aid Lines or Hand Extinguishers
1st alarms
0-5 jets
2nd alarms
(premises of especial risk, e.g. Dangerous Goods Stores)
3rd alarms
5-10 jets
4th alarms
11-25 jets
(and/or persons unaccounted for)
5th alarms
26-50 jets
Disaster alarms
All resources.
66. Each category of alarm is answered by a pre-determined attend- ance of appliances and manpower.
11
67. Fires
SUMMARY OF CALLS
Aircraft
1
Buildings: (a) Domestic premises.
(b) Non-domestic premises.
500
439
Chimneys
Electrical
Vegetation
44
814
613
Motor Transport
166
Ships
24
J
Miscellaneous small fires
607
Squatter arcas
42
False alarms: (a) with good intent .
167
(b) malicious
87
68. Special Services
Landslides, house collapse, drowning, etc.
728
69. Ambulance Calls
Emergencies
Ordinary removals to and from hospitals and clinics
70. Summary of alarms for the year was as follows:
26,296
34,103
1st alarms and small fires
2nd alarms
3rd alarms
4th alarms
5th alarms
Disaster alarms
Special services
•
3,327
31
127
15
4
728
FIRES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
5TH ALARM-MAINLAND
71. At 2 a.m. on the 19th July 1964 a fire broke out in a 7-storey building of R.C.C. construction used as a flatted factory, for the manufacture of plastic flowers; textiles; rattan furniture and plastic buttons.
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72. This fire, which raged for more than 12 hours, originated on the 4th floor, where some 200 tons of P.V.C. and poly-ethylene in sheet form was stored together with several tons of 'Poly Plastics' in various states of conversion into finished goods.
73. Quantities of smoke produced by the plastics not only drove first-attending crews out of the building, but over an area of more than half a square mile literally turned day into night. Ethenoid plastics are relatively simple to extinguish when one can approach within a few feet of them. Long range tactics, made necessary, by the impenetrable smoke served only to solidify the surface of the plastics which continued to generate enormous quantities of smoke and heat.
74. Complete flooding of the 4th floor would have provided a quick solution; such tactics were, however, both impractical and undesirable as the 'fire and floor loading' already exceeded that for which the building was designed. As it was, in spite of considerable care exercised, heat caused concrete to break down, exposing and softening the reinforcing rods, resulting in the top three floors beginning to 'slide'. Subsequently these floors had to be demolished. The only tactics possible in the circumstances was to discharge sufficient water into the 4th floor to contain the heat built up to acceptable limits for this class of building, and to allow the plastics to burn out under control. These tactics engaged the Fire Service for some 19 hours. Fire Service objectives (namely prevention of collapse of upper floors into the main thoroughfare below) was achieved and fire damage was restricted to the upper floors.
75. The origin of the fire was never determined, and the heavy monetary loss was entirely due to irresponsible action on the part of management in the over stocking of raw materials which for all practical purposes turned the 4th floor of the building with a relatively low fire load grading into a dangerous goods godown.
5TH ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
76. About 2 p.m. on the 23rd October 1964 a fire broke out in a 3-storey old Chinese tenement in the congested area of the Central District, Hong Kong Island at Wo On Lane. By the time the Fire Service arrived three tenement blocks were involved and in danger of collapse. Notwithstanding the quite incredible difficulties encountered due to the presence of tens of thousands of onlookers coupled with an enormous disruption of traffic, the fire was brought under control in a little under one hour. A near tragedy took place when an overseas Officer going to the rescue of a Fireman (who following a partial collapse
13
of one of the buildings had run into the yard) was buried together with the Fireman under a 'mountain' of debris, caused by the collapsed face of one of the buildings into an 8 ft. passageway. Collapse was so total that the overseas Officer when rescued had to be evacuated from the site through a range of buildings at 4th floor level and lowered by stret- cher to the street below. In the meantime, desperate and providentially successful efforts were made to extricate the Fireman who oddly enough received the lesser injuries.
77. The bodies of two members of the public, a 62 year old man and a 9 year old boy who had been trapped in the early stages of this fire were recovered from the debris some days later. Whilst the financial loss was estimated at a little over $150,000 the overall loss proved to be much greater as the Buildings Ordinance Office were forced to condemn for further occupation three complete blocks of tenements. Operations were described by a Fire Commissioner from the United States, who was present at the scene, as 'a classic example of efficiency and coopera- tion between the Police and Fire Services which my countrymen could usefully study'.
5TH ALARM-MAINLAND
78. A little after 8 p.m. on the 29th November 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of a 6-storey R.C.C. factory building in Yee Kuk Street, Kowloon, used for the production of textiles and plastics. Fire damage was restricted to the floor of origin, but water damage to the goods on the lower floors was extensive. Investigations at this fire revealed a number of serious violations of the law, including un- authorized alterations which materially contributed to the spread of fire and subsequent damage. Violations were of such a grave nature as to make necessary, in the interests of the factory workers, immediate remedial action. The Department therefore took temporary possession of this building, requiring all tenants to rectify violations before reoc- cupation. As this action caused a certain amount of alarm in the industry generally, the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association was invited to visit the building and to explain to the occupiers (who were members of his Association) the serious nature of the violation generally and in particular the irrepairable damage to the modern image of Hong Kong industry which a heavy life loss (highly probable had the fire occurred two hours earlier) would have caused. The fact that all viola- tions were rectified within 72 hours (which included a weekend) shows on the one hand a gratifying sense of cooperation, but on the other hand the fact that violations were quite unnecessary in the first place.
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79. Three members of the Fire Service were injured in this fire and hospitalized. The direct financial loss exceeded $500,000. Loss of goods awaiting shipment was estimated a further $120,000.
5TH ALARM-MAINLAND
80. A little after 9 p.m. on the 25th December 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of a 10-storey R.C.C. factory building in Tau Yau Street, Kowloon. The origin of the fire was amongst raw materials and finished goods of a rubber factory at the rear section of the first floor. Materials involved produced dense quantities of smoke and toxic gases, and initial fire fighting operations required Officers and men to wear breathing apparatus. The fire which was brought under control in three hours, trapped 40 persons, who were rescued from upper floors by Fire Service personnel. Financial loss was $250,000 and property at risk $4 million,
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
81. In the mid-afternoon on the 10th February 1965 a fire broke out on the 4th floor of an 8-storey plastic factory at Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon. The fire occurred amongst poly-plastic materials and spread rapidly across the floor of origin trapping a female worker who subse- quently died of appalling burns. Another worker was injured and rescued by Fire Service personnel. The fire was brought under control in just over half an hour, the financial loss being a little over $30,000. Cause of fire was determined as a lighted stove used for making tea being knocked over.
4TII ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
82. Just after 7 p.m. on the 25th February 1965 a fire broke out amongst squatters on the hillside at Tin Hau Temple Road, Hong Kong. 51 huts were destroyed or damaged by this fire which was brought under control in a little under two hours. As with all squatter fires on the hillside access was difficult, being some 700 feet above normal ground level. The many residents in other squatter huts in the area evacuating to safety down the hillside greatly delayed and interfered with fire fighting operations.
83. The initial fire which spread rapidly, involved illegal stores of firecrackers and kerosene. The cause of fire was believed to be a lighted cooking stove igniting nearby firewood. One member of the public, namely a boy aged 7, was injured and removed to hospital by the Fire Service.
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4TH ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
84. Just after mid-day on the 10th May 1964 a fire broke out on the 1st floor of a 2-storey godown on the waterfront in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. The fire involved considerable stocks of rice, tea, beans, Chinese medicine, flour, electrical appliances and chests of valuable Chinese operatic costumes. The godown was of pre-World War I construction with a fire rating quite inadequate for the risk. The fire which spread rapidly under the influence of a 18 knot wind caused an early collapse of the old-style Chinese tiles roof, following which opera- tions involved little more than extinguishing fire in a 'pile' of expensive debris. Cause of fire was due to an incompetent electrician who after several attempts failed to correct the cause of a short circuit in the lighting system and resorted to the insertion of a nail as a fuse In consequence unprotected wiring laid on the underside of the timber floors and beams broke down under excessive heat, resulting in a 'flash fire' which involved the whole building in seconds. One Fireman was hospitalized and financial loss exceeded $11⁄2 million.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
85. Just after mid-day on Christmas Day 1964 a fire broke out at the Amusement Park at Yuen Long, New Territories. The fire spread with great rapidity and involved an area of approximately 60,000 square feet containing single and 2-storey wooden and brick buildings. Materials involved in addition to the Amusement Park were livestock, poultry food, Chinese medicines and herbs. The cause of the fire was unknown and financial loss estimated as a little over $100,000. The fire was brought under control in 14 hours. One member of the public, a 2-year old male child was rescued by Fire Service personnel.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
86. A little after 4 p.m. on the 15th May 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of an 8-storey R.C.C. tenement building in Fuk Wing Street, involving a quantity of rubber sheets, rubber solution and printing equipment. The cause of the fire was petrol vapour ignited by discarded cigarette ends. Two members of the public were rescued by Fire Service personnel and two members of the Fire Service injured and detained in hospital. Financial loss was estimated at $100,000.
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4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
87. Just after 7.30 a.m. on the 10th June 1964 a fire broke out on the second floor of a 4-storey brick and timber structure at Sai Yeung Choi Street, Kowloon. The fire which involved the illegal manufacture of fireworks and joss papers was brought under control in a little over half an hour, during which time the Fire Service rescued 11 people from the upper floors and recovered the body of a boy aged 10, who had been trapped in the early stage of the fire following an explosion of illegally stored dangerous goods. After the fire more than 1 cwt. of dangerous goods were removed from the scene. Two members of the public were injured at this fire, the financial loss of which was minor.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
88. A little after 6 a.m. on the 14th June 1964 a fire broke out in a workshop on the 5th floor of a 7-storey R.C.C. building used as a factory in Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. The origin of the fire was a short circuit in electrical equipment which ignited inflammable vapour from a gas fed boiler. The fire took 4 hours to bring under control and caused $80,000 of damage to the floor of origin. Two members of the public were injured and removed to hospital.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
89. At 2.30 p.m. on the 13th July 1964 a fire broke out in a shipyard at Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. In view of the con- siderable risk existing in this yard and its importance to the Colony's industry the fire was treated initially as a 4th alarm, and was in conse- quence brought under control very quickly. Financial losses at $39,000 were relatively slight, compared with the millions at risk. One member of the Fire Service was injured and removed to hospital. The cause of the fire was never determined.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
90. A little after 7 a.m. on the morning of the 30th July 1964 a fire broke out on the second floor of a 10-storey R.C.C. building used for industrial purposes and situated in Tai Nan Street, Kowloon. The fire, caused by an electric iron being left switched on, unattended, resulted in extensive damage to the contents of the second floor, invol- ving a financial loss of $1 million, notwithstanding the fact that the fire was brought under control within one hour. Two officers of the Fire Service were injured, removed to hospital and detained.
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4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
91. A little after 10 a.m. on the 6th August 1964 a fire broke out in a rattan factory on Clear Water Bay Road, involving a row of single storey Chinese type brick, stone and wooden buildings used for the manufacture and storage of rattan furniture. The cause of fire was an unattended blow-lamp setting alight rattan waste. Financial loss was considerable at $800,000. Three members of the public were rescued and having sustained 3rd degree burns admitted to hospital.
4TH ALARM CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND
92. A little before mid-day on the 11th August 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of a 2-storey tenement house constructed of brick and timber on the island of Cheung Chau. The resources on Cheung Chau being, of necessity, of a limited size, and the Officer in Charge fearing a rapid spread of fire due to the prevailing wind, radio-telephoned a 4th alarm message to Hong Kong Fire Control, in response to which Fire Boats and personnel were despatched. Local Fire Service personnel, however, by splendid work were able to bring the fire under control before the arrival of reinforcements. Damage was relatively slight at $4,000. Cause of fire was established as an over-turned kerosene stove.
4TH ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
93. A little after 5 p.m. on the 21st August 1964 a fire broke out at Ah Kung Ngam, on the first floor of a 7-storey R.C.C. building used for industrial purposes. The fire was caused by the explosion of a light bulb inside the drying room of an artificial pearl workshop. Due to the absence of flame-proof light fittings, the explosion triggered off a flash fire which quickly involved the whole of the first floor. Financial loss was just over $300,000. Compliance with the advice given in Fire Prevention Burcau Notice No. 1 would have prevented this incident.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
94. At 1.30 a.m. on the 11th November 1964 a fire broke out in a sawmill and timber yard covering an extensive. area in Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. Cause of the fire was believed to be an overturned chatty involving sawdust and shavings. The fire spread rapidly and took two hours to bring under control. Financial loss was relatively slight at $35,000. One Fireman was injured and hospitalized arising from this incident.
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4TH ALARM MAINLAND
95. A little after 2 a.m. in the morning of the 16th December 1964 a fire broke out amongst a single storey industrial complex built of brick and timber, at Li Cheng Uk Village, Kowloon. Cause of fire was not ascertained as destruction was so complete. In all, 50 buildings were involved before the fire was brought under control. Financial loss was estimated as $250,000. Two members of the public lost their lives in this fire and two members of the Fire Service were injured and detained in hospital.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
96. Two hours before midnight on the 5th April 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of a 5-storey R.C.C. building situated in Larch Street, Kowloon, and used for industrial purposes. Cause of the fire was due to arcing from an electric motor igniting poly-ester dust produced in the manufacture of plastic buttons. Although the fire burned with great rapidity, it was brought under control in half an hour but not before inflicting a financial loss of $68,000.
3RD ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
97. In the early hours of the morning on 6th April 1964 a fire broke out in an industrial complex at King's Road involving a range of single and two-storey brick and timber structures used for the manufacture of plastics and rubber goods. Damage was extensive although the fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes. Financial loss was estimated at $250,000. Much of the property was uninsured. Cause of fire was, due to total destruction, never determined.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
98. In the early hours of the morning of 30th May 1964 at Kwan Mun Hau Village, New Territories, a fire broke out in a range of single and 2-storey buildings used for industrial purposes. The fire which was caused by electrical short circuit, was brought under control in a little under an hour, and resulted in a financial loss of $114,000. One member of the public was injured and hospitalized.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
99. A little before mid-day on the 23rd June 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of an 8-storey R.C.C. building situated in Lee Tak
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Street, Kowloon, and used for industrial and residential purposes. The fire was caused by the ignition of rubber solution used in the manufac- ture of rubber shoes and slippers. Financial loss was $40,000 and three members of the Fire Service were injured and detained in hospital.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
100. A little after 4 p.m. on the 27th July 1964 a fire broke out in an industrial complex at San Hung Avenue, Kowloon, comprising single storey brick, stone and wooden buildings covering an area of 6,000 square feet. Trade activities involved the production of rubber goods, stoves and domestic utensils. Cause of fire was the explosion of a kerosene stove. Financial loss was $100,000 and three members of the Fire Service were injured and hospitalized.
3RD ALARM-S.S. CATHAY PASSENGER/CARGO SHIP
101. A little after 3 p.m. on the 26th November 1964 a fire broke out in the main galley on 'D' deck of S.S. 'Cathay' passenger/cargo ship of 13,000 gross tons. The cause of the fire which was the over- heating of fat in a deep fryer caused slight damage to ventilation ducting between decks, but did not delay the sailing of the ship.
3RD ALARM-TSING YI ISLAND, N.T.
102. A little before 11 p.m. on the 2nd December 1964 a fire broke out in an industrial complex on Tsing Yi island comprising single and 2-storey stone, brick and wooden buildings, used for the manufacture of rubber goods, canvas, paper boxes, furniture and plastic production. As there was no resident fire protection on the island the fire continued to spread until arrival of a fire boat. The time involved in travelling was primarily responsible for the unusually heavy loss of $280,000. The cause of the fire was never determined.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
103. A little before mid-night on the 22nd December 1964 a fire broke out on the ground floor of an 8-storey R.C.C. building situated in Sai Yeung Choi Street, Kowloon, used for industrial and residential purposes. The fire spread quickly to the second floor and although brought under control in a little under one hour caused a financial loss of $55,000. Five members of the Fire Service were seriously injured and hospitalized.
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3RD ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
104. A little after 5 a.m. on the 1st February 1965 a fire broke out on the ground floor of a 6-storey R.C.C. building in Davis Street used for industrial and domestic purposes. Cause of fire was determined as faulty electric equipment setting light to partially completed plastic goods. The fire spread rapidly and although brought under control in 20 minutes, resulted in a financial loss of $76,000.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
105. A little after 3 a.m. on the 3rd February 1965 a fire broke out on the first floor of a 6-storey R.C.C. building at Wing Kwong Street, Kowloon. The fire (the cause of which was believed to be discarded smoking materials on a wastepaper dump), was brought under control in precisely one hour. 25 members of the public, 9 of whom were in a semi-conscious condition, were rescued by the Fire Service personnel.
3RD ALARM-MAINLAND
106. Just before mid-night on the 7th February 1965 a fire broke out at Fuk Wah Village, Kowloon. One child aged 3 was burned to death and three adults severely injured at this incident, which was caused by children discharging fireworks amongst squatter huts.
2ND ALARM-MAINLAND
107. A little after 9 p.m. on the 31st August 1964 the Fire Service were called to a fire in a godown in Salisbury Road. The fire was not of serious proportions but poisonous fumes involving bleaching powder, sodium cyanide and ammonia had incapacitated a number of workers. Leaking containers were removed to safety by Fire Service personnel wearing breathing apparatus. As a precautionary measure 18 members of the Fire Service were hospitalised temporarily for treatment.
SPECIAL SERVICES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
OVERTURNED TRAM
108. A little after 7 p.m. on the 12th April 1964 in Queen's Road, Hong Kong, a fully laden tram overturned trapping and/or injuring some 52 people, one of whom died from injuries received. Fortuitously as this incident occurred outside the peak period of demand for am- bulances, it was possible to mobilize very quickly adequate numbers
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of the latter to convey injured persons to hospital. Fire Service personnel and equipment were subsequently required and used to materially assist in the removal of the tram from the traffic stream. This is the first incident of its kind in living memory, demonstrating the high standard of safety which millions of travelling members of the public enjoy every year in this form of transport.
SHIP'S COFFERDAM
109. A little after 9 p.m. on the 15th April 1964 the Fire Service were called to a cofferdam on the S.S. 'Japanese Bear' lying in the harbour, where on arrival it was discovered that three Chinese males. had been overcome by toxic gases. Fire Service personnel wearing breathing apparatus recovered the three men, who were then conveyed by fire boat and ambulance to Queen Mary Hospital.
OVERTURNED LORRY
110. A little after 6 p.m. on the 26th April 1964 the Fire Service were called to Fuk Wah Village, Kowloon, where a lorry had overturned and trapped four persons. All were subsequently rescued and removed to hospital for treatment.
BUILDING COLLAPSE
111. A little after 3 p.m. on the 2nd June 1964 the Fire Service were called to Lockhart Road, where the total collapse of a rear portion of a 4-storey R.C.C. building had trapped some 40 persons. All persons were rescued alive.
FIRE SERVICE INCIDENT
112. On the 3rd July 1964, at 9.30 a.m., during a typhoon a Fire Service lorry carrying reinforcing personnel overturned in Pokfulam Road, injuring 17 (3 seriously) out of a total of 18 members of the Fire Service. Injured personnel were removed to hospital and 7 detained with multiple injuries.
WALL COLLAPSE
113. A little after midnight on the 9th August 1964 in Tai Hang Sai, Kowloon, a wall collapsed burying two children and two adults. Within fifteen minutes, Fire Service personnel rescued all four victims who were then removed to hospital for treatment.
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LANDSLIDE
114. A little after midnight on the 9th August 1964 at Kwun Tong, during Typhoon Ida, a landslide of unprecedented dimensions occurred resulting in the lower floors of multi-storey resettlement blocks being covered in dirt and mud to a depth of 20 feet. The Fire Service took command at this incident which involved the evacuation of several thousand people and the setting up of a relief centre pending the arrival of Resettlement and Social Welfare personnel. As a considerable number of persons were reported missing, the incident was raised to fifth alarm category and more than a hundred Firemen toiled in pouring rain, and high winds, throughout the night and the following day, at the incredibly difficult task of 'Search and Rescue'. The whole area, which was a scene of utter desolation was illuminated with light supplied by Fire Service mobile generators and was searched by Firemen and members of Police Force up to their waists in mud without success. In fact only four persons were missing at this incident, their bodies being recovered several days later.
MUD SLIDE
115. On the 16th August 1964, at 3.30 p.m. in Kwun Tong, heavy rains produced a similar situation to the one previously described except that on this occasion the mud was more fluid and less difficulties. were encountered. In view of the threatening situation, the late hour (midnight) and continuing bad weather, one hundred members of the Fire and Ambulance Services remained on the scene until daylight. Members of the Police Force carried out a unique rescue of three workers who were trapped by a sea of mud in mechanical excavators being used for clearing the road.
MOUNTAIN RESCUE
116. On the 5th September 1964, at 2.50 p.m. at Tates Cairn Peak, Kowloon, during Typhoon Ruby and with winds of 120 knots, the Fire Service were called to the assistance of Police personnel who, whilst travelling in a Land Rover, were blown off a road at the 700 feet level, a distance of 150 feet down the hillside. Fire Service personnel, together with members of the Police Force, using dogs, searched for six hours locating, and removing to safety, all but one member of the crew involved. One Policeman was killed and five suffered from exhaus- tion and exposure at this incident. Cooperation between the two Services at complete disregard for personal safety was superb.
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ROCK SLIDE
117. On the 5th September 1964 during Typhoon Ruby at 4 p.m. at Shek Kip Mei Village, Kowloon, the Fire Service were called to an incident when nine members of the public had been buried in their hut by hundreds of tons of rock and earth. Using power tools and a variety of hand tools Fire Service personnel, assisted by members of the C.A.S., recovered three persons alive and three dead. The next day three more bodies were recovered, when, by the use of explosives a thirty ton boulder was broken up.
SHIP AGROUND
118. At the height of Typhoon Ruby on the 5th September 1964, a little after 4 p.m., the S.S. 'Shun Fung,' a cargo vessel of some 7,000 gross tons, was driven from the harbour 'piling' up on the rocks at Cheung Chau Island. High seas breaking to masthead height had driven the crew of 40 to the extreme end of the fore-castle when their plight was reported to the Officer i/c Cheung Chau Fire Station by the Inspector of Police.
119. Cheung Chau Fire Station is manned by 2 Principal Firemen and 12 other ranks. By what must have been super-human efforts these men proceeded down the cliffside, improvised a breeches buoy and by lashing themselves to rocks spent two hours in conditions of appalling danger and discomfort rescuing every member of the crew.
120. Police personnel and members of the Cheung Chau Life Saving Society provided invaluable assistance by carrying and helping the crew to negotiate the cliffside to the safety of the Fire Station a mile away.
121. For their exceptional work two members of the Fire Service, who for hours at a time were in the raging sea, were awarded Belilios Stars for Bravery. An artistic impression of this astonishing rescue is reproduced in this Report.
BUILDING COLLAPSE
122. Fire Service personnel rescued 7 persons, and Police Officers rescued 2 persons when during a typhoon 9 members of the public were buried in the debris of a collapsed house at Castle Peak on 9th September 1964.
123. On three occasions the first-attending appliances had to be utilized to remove fallen trees from the roadways. Finally, on the
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F
Λ
A Typical Hillside Squatter Fire
:
:
Fire Services
-
நீகட்
A
1300
T
物
Hong Kong Fireboats
Rescue in Typhoon
燃えな
J
ALEXINDER GRANTRAN
(Rescue Tunnel-Po Yan Street Para 139)
last occasion the task was beyond the power of the vehicle and personnel had to proceed on foot for 1 miles in winds exceeding 100 knots carry- ing their rescue gear.
PERSONS IN WELL
124. On Sunday, 6th September 1964, at about 10.20 p.m., 4 persons were overcome by gas in a well in Kowloon Tong. Two were recovered almost at once by fellow workers, and on arrival, a Fire Service diver recovered one more. The fourth in spite of repeated efforts by Fire Service divers and the use of grappling hooks could not be located.
ROCK SLIDE
125. On Friday, 11th September 1964, at 6.10 a.m., Fire Service personnel were called to Shau Kei Wan where 18 persons were buried in their huts on the slope of a hillside by rocks which fell without warning down the hillside during the aftermath of a typhoon. The first-attending Fire Officer described the cries of the trapped victims as heartrending.
126. Using power and hand tools, lines, blocks and tackles, one crew under the personal command of a Divisional Officer was able to lift and wedge a 70 ton boulder sufficiently to release 3 victims, whose limbs were badly crushed.
127. Two more parties under Station Officers commenced the task of tunnelling and shoring to reach some 5 persons trapped under the floor of a demolished hut.
128. After 16 hours work all but 4 of the missing persons were accounted for, 4 being dead, 7 seriously injured and 3 slightly injured. Having decided that further risk to Fire Service personnel was not justified, the Director ordered the termination of operations until daylight.
129. Upon recommencing operations, the next day, and following the recovery of 2 more bodies, and in spite of the shoring, another slide took place trapping a Fire Officer to his waist.
130. Once again the site was 'shored up' and on Sunday (3 days after the original call) the last body was recovered.
131. The courage, endurance and tenacity of Fire Service personnel and the high quality of leadership displayed by Fire Service Officers at this incident was exceptional.
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SHA TIN BY-PASS CRASH INCIDENT
132. On Sunday, 13th September 1964, at 10 a.m., a lorry loaded with 30-200 kgs, of bales of cloth ran away on the by-pass at Tai Po Road and crashed to the roadway below trapping 2 members of the public and injuring 4 more.
133. Fire Service rescue teams extricated the two trapped victims, one of whom was certified dead on site.
HOUSE COLLAPSE
134. There are numerous reasons why in Hong Kong it has become virtually impossible for members of the Fire Service to be confronted with a situation which provides a really serious challenge to their ingenuity and resourcefulness. An incident at Po Yan Street at midday on the 1st October 1964 came very close however to establishing the exception.
135. On arrival at this incident the first-attending officer found that the kitchens on each floor of a 4-storey tenement block had collapsed into a light well at the rear of the premises trapping an unknown number of occupants.
136. By tunnelling under debris the body of one woman (who was alive) was located, trapped over a 40 gallon drum by a wood beam. This beam in turn had become the main support for tons of debris from upper floors. The removal of debris handful by handful enabled Fire Service personnel to transfer some of the load from the beam on to themselves whilst a Medical Officer gave the victim morphine. Con- tinuing removal of debris revealed the faint cries of a second person whose exact position could not however be determined.
137. By this time the incident (which had been upgraded to a major S.S. call commanded by the Director) had reached a point where any further removal of 'key debris' would have involved further collapse, loss of life to Fire Service personnel and assured the death of the trapped occupants. The rank and file were evacuated whilst senior officers examined the collapse to determine the next move. With only split second warning a further collapse took place completely entombing the victim and causing superficial injuries to Fire Service personnel as the latter scrambled to safety.
138. Notwithstanding that minor movements of debris continued, repeated and vigorous attempts to force a channel through to the
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victims were made during which Fire Service personnel barely escaped being buried alive by several further major collapses.
139. In face of the increasing danger several lengths of 24" diameter piping were requisitioned from the Water Authority with the object of driving a tunnel through to the victims. Unfortunately before a bridgehead for this operation could be established a further major collapse occurred from which again rescuers escaped with only super- ficial cuts.
140. Buildings Ordinance officers who had been called to the scene advised against a resumption of operations from within the building which was in imminent danger of total collapse, which would bring down with it a row of four others.
141. The 4-storey building involved was part of a block measuring some 200 × 600 feet of pre-World War I construction. The whole area was a virtual rabbit warren with numerous dead-end narrow passage- ways. The block had been constructed on sloping ground and detailed inspections and colligations were necessary before one could determine the relativity between the floors of one building and another.
142. During the course of inspections of the site generally the first- attending officer, one of our most outstanding Chinese officers, with extensive experience of old Chinese buildings, located in a narrow passageway an area of wall which if cut away would produce a fair possibility of reaching the entombed victims. As a result, teams were organized to commence cutting by hammer and chisel through this wall initially estimated at 3 feet in thickness, and constructed of a mixture of granite blocks and clay bricks. Power drills were available but the Buildings Ordinance officers strongly advised against their use. After nearly six hours work in appallingly humid conditions with officers and men stripped to the waist and in pouring rain a hole 2 feet square and more than 6 feet in depth was cut through two walls and one of the victims located which made possible an examination by a Medical Officer, who certified that the victim was dead.
143. On numerous occasions during these operations Buildings Ordinance officers under the supervision of their Head of Department advised against further cutting of the structure predicting a major collapse at any moment. Notwithstanding this these officers not only remained on site but applied their technical skill in shoring up the walls as Fire Service personnel cut more deeply into them. By midnight
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some 12 hours after the original call and failing to locate the second victim, operations were abandoned till daylight. Next day after Buildings Ordinance Office shoring contractors had secured all dangerous walls and buildings in the area the body of one victim was extricated. Four days later the body of the second victim was recovered and finally on the evening of the fourth day yet a third.
144. The work performed by both Fire Service personnel and members of the Buildings Ordinance Office was the most outstanding of an outstanding year in the matter of operations at house collapses. Courage, endurance and stubbornness in the face of most incredible difficulties have in Hong Kong seldom been equalled. A photograph of one aspect of this operation is reproduced in this report.
PASSENGER VEHICLE
145. On Friday, 2nd October 1964, at 6.45 p.m., the Fire Service was called to an incident at Castle Peak where a 9 passenger vehicle had run off the road dropping on to a beach 150 feet below. 8 persons were extricated by Police and Fire Service personnel and removed to hospital suffering multiple injuries. One passenger died from the latter.
LANDSLIDE
146. On Tuesday, 13th October, at 3 a.m., during Typhoon Dot with winds at gale force a landslide occurred on the island of Peng Chau, trapping 7 occupants of a wooden hut. All were rescued (one in a seriously injured condition) by Fire Service personnel and removed to the Peng Chau health clinic.
147. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 5.30 a.m., during the height of Typhoon Dot a landslide buried 3 people in their wooden hut at Shau Kei Wan. All were rescued by Fire Service personnel with minor injuries. The first attending appliances to this incident were flooded by torrential rain and a second response had to be made.
BUILDING COLLAPSE
148. In the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, 13th October 1964, during heavy rainfall, a brick building at Sha Tau Kok collapsed burying three occupants; one was recovered immediately on arrival of the Police and the remaining two by the Fire Service. The latter were certified dead on arrival at Sheung Shui Clinic.
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HOUSE COLLAPSE
a.m., at the height of mile post Castle Peak
149. On Tuesday, 13th October, at 7.30 Typhoon Dot, a house collapsed at the 10 burying one adult and 2 children. First-attending appliances were unable to get through due to road blocks caused by landslide. The fire appliance from San Hui was therefore called on by radio telephone. Personnel from the latter station rescued all 3 victims, 2 of which were certified dead on arrival at Tsuen Wan Clinic.
LANDSLIDE
150. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 11.45 a.m., a landslide of some 500 tons trapped 4 members of the public in their hut situated on the hillside at Ho Tung Hill, Western District. All were rescued by the medium of stretchers and lines down the hillside and removed to hospital, suffering multiple injuries.
LANDSLIDE
151. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 1.50 p.m., during Typhoon Dot, a landslide trapped 7 members of the public in two wooden huts on the hillside at Shau Kei Wan. Two women and one child were trapped under a 6 foot granite boulder and were released by Fire Service personnel using power tools. Six persons died at this incident.
LANDSLIDE
152. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 2 p.m., a landslide buried 2 members of the public in the backyard of a 4-storey tenement building in the Western District. Both were extricated by Fire Service personnel, one being certified dead on arrival at the hospital.
LANDSLIDE
153. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 7.50 a.m. at Ha Lung Chung, New Territories, some 50 tons of earth and rocks fell on to a wooden hut and stone house on a hillside trapping 9 persons. Five were extricated prior to the arrival of the Fire Service and two more were recovered by members of the Fire Service. After six hours work in heavy rainfall at the height of the typhoon Fire Service personnel were withdrawn. In the evening of the following day the body of the ninth person was recovered. Three persons died at this incident.
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VEHICLE ACCIDENT
154. On 17th October 1964, at 2.25 p.m. at Clear Water Bay Road, Kowloon, a van transporting 15 persons crashed down the hillside. Fire Service personnel extricated 12 persons alive and 3 dead.
COLLAPSE OF SCAFFOLDING
155. On Monday, 19th October 1964, at 10 a.m., the Fire Service was called to Sai Yeung Choi Street, Kowloon, where 5 workers had been trapped in a light well following the collapse of bamboo scaffolding. All 5 were extricated by Fire Service personnel using cutting tools, lines and stretchers and removed to hospital, suffering multiple injuries.
CAR ACCIDENT
156. On Friday, 29th January 1965, at 2.30 a.m., 4 persons were trapped in a private car when it crashed into a tree at Sha Tau Kok. By the use of power tools Fire Service personnel extricated all 4 victims and removed them to hospital where they were certified dead on arrival.
COLLAPSE OF BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION
157. On Friday, 19th March 1965, at 10.30 a.m., the Fire Service was called to a construction site at Tsuen Wan where 2 persons were trapped following a collapse of shuttering and unset concrete and rein- forcing rods. The 2 persons were extricated by Fire Service personnel and removed to Tsuen Wan Clinic,
SKIN DIVING SERVICE
158. Fire Service divers were called out on 36 occasions during the year. In view of the continuing demand for this type of special service, and the need for full-time training, a whole-time establishment of 6 Divers/Instructors was approved during the year.
TRAINING
159. Pending completion of the Central Training School at Sek Kong now scheduled for 1966/67 the Service continues to improvise. In spite of difficulties brought about by the temporary use of even more temporary premises, and the almost permanent division of our small
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training establishment, some notable improvements on previous years have been possible, especially in the Senior and Leading Firemen echelon.
160. By utilizing space (required later this year for building altera- tions) at the Principal Fire Station, Hong Kong Island, it has been possible to make a modest start on refresher training for 60 Senior and Leading Firemen. Results have been encouraging and give confidence of the vast improvements which can be achieved when the permanent Training School is available.
161. Little can be achieved as refresher training for Firemen Classes I and II until Training School facilities are provided.
PHYSICAL FITNESS AND TRAINING
162. During the past five years Senior Commanders have commented frequently on the apparent lack of stamina of members of the rank and file at incidents of long duration. This has been particularly noticeable at fires in mutli-storey buildings, where the demand for physical fitness in fighting fires a hundred feet up from the ground has to be experienced to be understood.
163. The appointment of a qualified Physical Training Officer in 1963 made possible a comprehensive examination of the fitness potential of Firemen and first reports appear somewhat alarming. Further investigation will be required with the assistance of dietary and medical experts before a clear picture of the problem can be produced.
164. What is evident so far is that on their normal diet Firemen are incapable of completing the 'Commando-type' Physical Training Course required for personnel who are likely to be faced at any time of day and night with search, rescue and fire fighting operations in multi-storey buildings.
WELFARE
165. The increasing differential between costs of living and earnings continues to cause members of the rank and file to seek assistance from their officers generally and the Welfare Fund in particular. Government's grant of interim allowance pending a review of the 'Price Index and Cost of Living' resulted only in a temporary reduction in requests for financial aid.
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166. A considerable amount of valuable work had been undertaken by the Department's Physical Training Officer in organizing inter Station, Division and District social and sports functions.
167. Although in a crowded metropolis such as Hong Kong where operations cause frequent interruption to organized recreation, morale is nevertheless greatly improved by reducing to the minimum 'idle hands and minds'.
168. The most outstanding event during the year in the field of 'occupational theraphy' was a 'technical quiz' lasting 7 months in which personnel from every Station took part. The standard of knowledge displayed whilst not reaching the level hoped for, did nevertheless reveal a great deal of individual 'study' effort. The event was certainly most popular as was the grant of cash awards to the successful teams.
169. Judo classes have received considerable support, and Fire Service Soccer Teams have, considering the almost insuperable difficul- ties of arranging pre-match practice, done exceedingly well.
170. All in all, welfare activities reflect a great improvement all round compared with previous years, a state of affairs almost entirely due to our Physical Training Officer and the personal interest displayed in welfare generally by all senior officers who have given up limited 'family time' at weekends to be with their subordinates.
TRANSPORT AND WORKSHOPS
171. This Division is responsible for:
(a) maintenance and repair to all fire fighting appliances and equipment; (b) maintenance of fire fighting equipment in Government institutions; (c) supply of fuel generally and at fires in particular;
(d) training of drivers, pump and Turntable Ladders operators, and the issue
of driving licences for Fire and Ambulance Services personnel.
172. The unusual number of typhoons placed considerable additional burdens on the Workshops staff in the recovery and repair of damaged and flooded appliances and ambulances, and rendering technical assist- ance at complex special services. The backlog of servicing and mainte- nance carried over from the year of drought in 1963/64 still affected Workshops when in quick succession five typhoons struck the Colony. One can only hope for a trouble-free year in 1965 to enable the Work- shops staff to bring their maintenance and servicing schedules up to date.
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173. With no spare appliances and ever increasing usage of the latter and associated equipment, high standards of regular inspection, testing and servicing are vital in the public interest.
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
174. It has been an exceptional year, full of achievements, bringing direct benefits to the public. Outstanding events have been numerous of which the following are of most interest to the public.
ABATEMENT OF FIRE HAZARDS
175. Prior to the enactment of the Fire Service (Amendment) Ordinance 1964, the Fire Service had no means, other than in places of public assembly and dangerous goods stores, to take remedial action on the discovery of a life or fire hazard.
176. New buildings, the majority of which are multi-storey in charac- ter and which are being constructed at the rate of more than 1,000 per annum, were, once occupation certificates had been granted, being altered internally, especially in premises sold or rented for industrial and commercial use, thereby creating life hazards of disturbing propor- tions.
177. Developers were selling or leasing parts of passageways and exits required and provided in original planning for the safety of occupants of upper floors.
178. Areas specifically approved for car parking or storage space were being sub-divided and rented or sold for either living accommoda- tion or shops.
179. New multi-storey blocks attracted thousands of minor indus- tries, schools and a wide variety of 'trade' activities for which the safety routes were seldom designed.
180. Fire Service installations required and installed in buildings were in many cases either removed or immobilized by tenants and/or buyers, both of whom together with the original developer disclaimed responsibility for maintenance and servicing of this vital equipment.
181. A common violation was the removal of the 'smoke lobbies', which in multi-storey buildings provide the only hope for containing the spread of smoke between one staircase and another long enough for occupants to escape to the safety of the ground floors.
33
182. Low cost multi-storey buildings designed for a specific number of flats with staircases provided accordingly, were further sub-divided after occupation permits have been granted, thus defeating the objective of legislation which requires any building over 6 floors to have 2 stair- cases both accessible to all occupants.
183. As a result of these and many other varieties of violations by unscrupulous persons, multi-storey buildings in Hong Kong, which one hoped might provide 'the beginning of the end' of fire hazards traditional to Hong Kong, have become death traps. Hong Kong's modern 'look' was in fact producing life and fire hazards of a nature more grave than those which have already accounted for the lives of some 1,000 of its citizens.
184. It was obviously necessary, indeed vital to the public interest, that powers should be obtained to order the abolition of fire and life. hazards, and such powers were provided at the beginning of the year under review. The legislation provides that the Director, if satisfied that a fire hazard exists, may order the person responsible to abate it, failing which the facts are put before a magistrate with a view to either enforcing the Director's requirements, or ordering a restraint on the use of the building, or that part of the building where the fire hazard exists.
185. The extent of the problem can be measured by the fact that it has been necessary to issue some 400 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices per month since the legislation for so doing was enacted.
FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS
186. Prior to the beginning of 1964 no powers existed whereby the Fire Service could require developers to include in their buildings fire fighting equipment and other devices aimed at protecting the occupants from fire. Whilst in general developers were co-operative and could invariably be persuaded to provide fire fighting equipment and other devices, there were numerous instances where promises were not kept and buildings were in fact occupied without any protection being afforded to the occupant.
187. Even when fire fighting equipment was installed, Fire Service personnel had no powers to inspect, or to require it to be serviced and maintained.
34
188. Multi-storey buildings are, from a fire hazard view point, virtually townships or villages superimposed upon one another and it was quite wrong that the taxpayer generally should have to bear the brunt of mobile fire protection to make good deficiencies of internal protection. Obviously the cost of the latter was a proper charge to developers and subsequently tenants and owners.
189. The Buildings Ordinance was therefore amended in the early part of 1964 to provide powers whereby the Director of Fire Services could prescribe minimum standards for the installation of fire protection devices, and a certificate to the effect that the Director's minimum requirements have been met must now be obtained before an occupation permit is granted.
190. Legislation also provided for powers of inspection of installa- tions and other devices and for annual survey of their effectiveness.
191. Concurrently with the amendment of the Buildings Ordinance a Code of Practice setting out in detail the various standards and/or permutations of, types of equipment required to be installed was publish- ed to enable all developers and their advisers to be able to reasonably anticipate in any given circumstances the extent to which internal fire protection will be provided.
192. Since the above legislation has been in force, the occasions when the requirements of the Fire Prevention Burcau have been challenged by developers have been rare, and in no instance has it not been possible to reach a standard that has been mutually acceptable to both the Fire Service and the architect concerned.
193. The administration of this legislation has confirmed the view frequently expressed in the Fire Service, namely that there are firms operating in Hong Kong who sell and install sub-standard fire equipment to the public. The average member of the public of course knows little or nothing of these matters and relies upon salesmen. For obvious reasons Fire Service personnel cannot become involved in recommending a particular product; thus members of the public are at the mercy of unscrupulous firms and their salesmen.
194. To correct this state of affairs, legislation is being considered which will provide for persons selling and installing fire equipment and other devices to be 'authorized' on the same principle as architects. By this means the public can be protected.
35
DANGEROUS GOODS STORES
195. A major problem is developing in the matter of dangerous goods storage. The rapidly changing face of Hong Kong's public thoroughfares, which when largely open country-side were used and licensed for the storage of dangerous goods, now requires that in the public interest new and safer sites must be found.
196. Related problems are expected to reach considerable propor- tions in this field during the next two years.
SCHOOLS
197. Whilst the economic factors involved in operating private schools in a variety of premises not designed, or solely used for educa- tional purposes, is understood by Fire Officers, the simple fact that overcrowding is a serious hazard to life cannot be ignored.
198. Parents are entitled to expect that the Government agencies involved enforce, by law if necessary, the safety of their children.
199. Education cannot be at the expense of children's lives and in this context the Fire Service must be accepted by the public, as it is by the Government as the 'competent authority'.
200. Only by exercising constant supervision against overcrowding can life disasters in certain types of premises used for educational purposes be avoided.
PUBLICITY
201. In co-operation with the Information Services, Kaifongs and other organizations the Fire Prevention Bureau has continued to reach all sections of the public with its anti-fire propaganda. Whilst the 70% increase in fires during the past year suggests the continuing need for publicity, the fact, despite the exceptional risk in Hong Kong, that fire calls per capita are less than those in Britain can be taken as an encourag- ing sign that our publicity measures are not wasted efforts.
STAFF ASSOCIATIONS
202. Relations with Fire Service Association continue to be cordial, but as in the majority of instances the issues raised are ones arising from Government policy the Director's action is limited to presenting Govern- ment's views to Association delegates.
36
י
CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE
203. As more than 1,000 members of the Fire and Ambulance Services hold no membership of any Union or Association a 'Co- ordinating Committee for Conditions of Service' was established during the year under review. The objectives of this Committee, the membership of which is selected at station level, and is under the Chairmanship of a Senior Commander, is to co-ordinate all views and representations on matters of common interest regarding conditions of service generally, thus avoiding non-members of Unions or Associations being driven to membership merely on the grounds that their views cannot be represented en masse to the Director. This Committee did a particularly fine job of co-ordinating the views of all ranks of the Service for presentation to the 1965 Salaries Commission.
APPRECIATION
204. It is inevitable that members of the Fire Service gain the head- lines following Fire Service operations. No Fire Service Annual Report would therefore be complete without acknowledging the debts which the Service owes to so many Departments of Government and private organizations.
205. In planning for public safety generally and at major fires and house collapses, the Government Building Surveyor and his colleagues undertake unknown to the public a vital and often dangerous role. Without the advice and practical help of the Government Chemist and his Deputy the Department could not maintain the high standard existing in the matter of dangerous goods storage. On more than one occasion the Deputy Government Chemist has donned breathing appa- ratus equipment at particularly difficult incidents involving dangerous goods exposing himself to considerable danger in the interest of the public and to the benefit of the Fire Service personnel.
206. Fires on ships are probably one of the most complicated operational tasks in fire engineering. Without the attendance and advice from senior officers of the Marine Department it is extremely unlikely that the Hong Kong Fire Service would enjoy its high international reputation in the matter of ship fires.
207. The fact that the Service in general has the continuing support of the public is almost entirely due to the indefatigable efforts of the Information Services on the one hand and the press and radio on the
37
other. The generosity of the press photographers and their employers in supplying photographs of Fire Service operations for training and investigation purposes not only saves the Department a great deal of money in this area but contributes considerably to Fire Service efficiency.
208. In times of emergency both the Fire and Ambulance Services owe much to members of the Civil Aid and Auxiliary Medical Services, whose unselfish devotion to duty in difficult and dangerous circumstances is always a source of admiration to professional Fire Officers.
209. Private organizations, such as the Kaifongs and the St. John Ambulance Brigade, annually contribute to the successful work perform- ed by the Department. The fact that one takes for granted the availability of members of the Police Force in no way diminishes the contributions they make to the success of Fire Service operations in such a crowded metropolis as Hong Kong.
210. Finally no Department of Government can make effective progress without the sympathy and understanding of the Secretariat officers, particularly in the General, Establishment, and Finance Branches. Differences of opinion on what is generally best in the public and Service interests there will always be; nevertheless quite clearly the Fire and Ambulance Services could not have reached its present high state of effectiveness without the support which it has received from the majority of officers in the Secretariat during the first 5 years of the Fire and Ambulance Services development plan.
R. G. Cox, Director of Fire Services.
1st June 1965.
38
HOUSE COLLAPSE
149. On Tuesday, 13th October, at 7.30 a.m., at the height of Typhoon Dot, a house collapsed at the 10 mile post Castle Peak burying one adult and 2 children. First-attending appliances were unable to get through due to road blocks caused by landslide. The fire appliance from San Hui was therefore called on by radio telephone. Personnel from the latter station rescued all 3 victims, 2 of which were certified dead on arrival at Tsuen Wan Clinic.
LANDSLIDE
150. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 11.45 a.m., a landslide of some 500 tons trapped 4 members of the public in their hut situated on the hillside at Ho Tung Hill, Western District. All were rescued by the medium of stretchers and lines down the hillside and removed to hospital, suffering multiple injuries.
LANDSLIDE
151. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 1.50 p.m., during Typhoon Dot, a landslide trapped 7 members of the public in two wooden huts on the hillside at Shau Kei Wan. Two women and one child were trapped under a 6 foot granite boulder and were released by Fire Service personnel using power tools. Six persons died at this incident.
LANDSLIDE
152. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 2 p.m., a landslide buried 2 members of the public in the backyard of a 4-storey tenement building in the Western District. Both were extricated by Fire Service personnel, one being certified dead on arrival at the hospital.
LANDSLIDE
153. On Tuesday, 13th October 1964, at 7.50 a.m. at Ha Lung Chung, New Territories, some 50 tons of earth and rocks fell on to a wooden hut and stone house on a hillside trapping 9 persons. Five were extricated prior to the arrival of the Fire Service and two more were recovered by members of the Fire Service. After six hours work in heavy rainfall at the height of the typhoon Fire Service personnel were withdrawn. In the evening of the following day the body of the ninth person was recovered. Three persons died at this incident.
29
APPENDIX II
CAUSES OF FIRES: INCLUDING DEATHS AND INJURIES AT FIRE FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1.4.64 TO 31.3.65
Causes
No. of Incidents
No. of Deaths and
Injuries
Careless handling or disposal of lighted matches, cigarettes, hot
ashes and candles, etc.
1,211
62
Careless handling or disposal of joss-sticks, joss-candles, fire-
crackers, joss-papers, mosquito coils, etc.
133
18
Hot cinders, sparks and burning soot from foul chimneys and
flues falling on inflammable materials
82
2
Over-turned kerosene stoves and oil lamps
Unattended cooking stoves, heaters, irons
•
Misuse of dangerous goods
Children playing with matches
Electrical faults generally
Sparks from defective motors
192
88
61
15
4
3
138
16
1,055
49
21
5
Over-heating of engines, motors and machinery
36
00
8
Boiling-over of oils, tar, wax, etc.
13
4
Burst gas mains or pipes
7
2
Sparks from welding equipment
18
10
5
Defective cooking stoves
35
17
Uncontrolled burning of rubbish.
14
Spontaneous combustion
11
Suspected arson
Unknown.
5
5
214
17
False alarms
+
254
Total
3,504
316
40
APPENDIX III
ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL SERVICES
FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1,4,64 TO 31.3.65
Causes
No. of Incidents
No. of Deaths and
Injuries
Traffic Accidents
100
312
House Collapses
43
75
Flooding of domestic premises
27
Trapped in lifts
Hanging (suicide)
Falling from high buildings.
Locked in/out of premises
Falling into harbour/nullah/well
Explosions
Landslides
Animal rescues
'Trapped by machinery
Trapped by debris
134
11
12
12
13
14
41
5
43
45
7
10
+
37
68
11
23
23
•
1
1
Drowning
Electric shock
47
47
5
5
3
7
Blasting operations.
Aircraft
Threatening to jump from high buildings
Leakage of inflammable liquids
Overcome by gas
Dangerous goods storage
Miscellaneous
•
Total
41
1
28
10
15
6
12
1
1
131
52
•
728
709
APPENDIX IV
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS FOR THE YEAR 1964/65
Classification
No. of Inspections
Buildings
Cinemas and Theatres
Dancing Halls and Academies
•
Dangerous Goods in general
Factories and Workshops.
Fire Service Installations
Fireworks Storages
Garages
High and Low Flash Inflammable Liquids
Hotels and Boarding Houses
Kerosene stored in shops
+
Miscellaneous:
110
443
248
2,551
1,282
93
51
639
14
1,280
(a) Billiards Rooms
16
(b) Chinese Theatrical Performances in Matsheds and Religious
Ceremonies
406
(c) Complaints
5,989
(d) Others
899
Neon Signs.
Offensive Trade .
Petrol Pumps
Printing Presses
Restaurants and Cafes
Schools
Timber Yards and Storages
476
13
169
188
•
966
+
935
777
42
Total
17,535
APPENDIX IV-Contd.
PROSECUTIONS AND FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES
FOR THE YEAR 1964/65
Classification
Complaints.
Fire Hazard Abatement Notices issued
•
Conducting an unlicensed Timber Store
Unlicensed Storage of Dangerous Goods
Storage of Dangerous Goods in excess of permitted quantities
Storage of Dangerous Goods other than in approved store.
Storage of exempted goods other than in accordance with regulations
Number
Value
50
5,131
79
81
7
2
Any other type of offence.
Approximate Value of Dangerous Goods confiscated
Fine imposed
33
$23,341·00
$35,725.00
Total No. of Cases
242
PREMISES LICENSED FOR STORAGE OF DANGEROUS Goods/Timber LICENCES ISSUED/RENEWED AND FEES COLLECTED DURING the year 1964/65
No. of Premises licensed
for Storage of Dangerous Goods
282
No. of Premises licensed for Storage of Timber
No. of Dangerous
Goods Licences
issued
No. of Dangerous Goods Licences renewed
4,764
No. of Timber
Licences renewed
Fees Collected
$561,951-50
Fees Collected
336
No. of Timber Licences issued
47
251
$ 5,920.00
TOTAL: 329
383
5,015
$567,871-50
47
43
APPENDIX V
SUMMARY OF APPLIANCES, MAJOR EQUIPMENT, FIRE STATIONS AND OTHER PREMISES AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
Turntable Ladders.
Rescue Tenders
Pump Escapes
Pumps
Extra Heavy Pumps
Land Rovers
Portable Pumps
Trailer Pumps
Canteen Vans
·
Mobile Repair Vans
Mobile Generators
Mobile Compressors
Mobile Command Units Emergency Tenders
Foam Tenders
Hose Laying Appliances
Hose Carrying Lorries
General Purpose Lorries
Hydrant Vans
Radio Vans
Command Cars
Staff Cars
Motor Cycles
Motor Scooters
Outboard Motors
Rescue Crafts.
Ambulances
Sitting Case Cars
Foam Cannons
Light Rescue Appliances
Ladder and Hose Carrying Lorries
11
2
15
22
3
20
17
23
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
N N N N ~ N N N 4
3
17
2
3
2
6
·
6
3
6
45
เก
5
3
في
3
2
44
هر
Oxygen Compressed Air Resuscitating Sets
Skin Diving Sets
4" Relay Hose
2" Delivery Hose 11" Hose
•
APPENDIX V-Contd.
Breathing Apparatus
Hose
45
113
46
8
8 miles
59 miles
7 miles
Fire Boats
Alexander Grantham
No. 3
No. 2
No. 1
351 gross tons, 10,000 g.p.m.
40' launch, 500 g.p.m.
94 gross tons, 4,000 g.p.m.
45' high speed launch, 1,000 g.p.m.
Very High Frequency Radio
Frequencies: 82.5: 48.1: 48.2: 48.3: 48.4: 48.5
Fire Services:
Base Stations
Sub Base Stations
Mobile Sets
Walkie Talkie Sets
Ambulance Service:
Fixed Stations.
Repeater Stations
4
5
80
24
2
1
19
Mobile Stations
Fire Stations, Buildings and Quarters
Temporary Premises
9
Departmental Quarters:
Officers
Rank and File
Fire Stations
45
75
222
24
46
1963/64
$109,815-60
44,974-92 $154,790-52
8,467-33
LIABILITIES
Accumulated fund as at
1.4.64
Add: Excess of Income over
Expenditure for the year ended 31.3.65
Sundry Creditors
Deposits:
Firemen's Services Firemen's Manuals
•
4,568.00
$167,825-85
APPENDIX VI
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
ASSETS
$154,790-52
1963/64
$ 18,329-40
20,716-75
1,623.20
Stocks..
29,637.95
$184,428-47 3,615-70
Outstanding Loans Sundry Debtors
Investment at Cost
Less: Accumulated
depreciation
10,600-00 5.00
·
$ 22,488-50 10,786-09 4,729-31
$14,596-40
4,276-40
10,320-00
Suspense Account
$11,010-00 3.111.78
Cash:
14,121.78
On Fixed Deposits With Accountant General
$100,000.00 53,842-05
116,551-50
153,842-05
$202,165.95
$167,825-85
$202,165.95
CERTIFICATE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT
R. G. Cox, Director of Fire Services. 23.6.65
The above Balance Sheet and the accompanying Statements have been examined in accordance with Regulation 11(2) of the Fire Services Depart- ment (Welfare Fund) Regulations, 1954. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as a result of this audit, that in my opinion the Balance Sheet and Statements are correct.
Audit Department,
29th June, 1965.
W. J. D. CoOPER, Director of Audit.
47
APPENDIX VI-Contd.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1965
EXPENDITURE
INCOME
1963/64
·
$22,580-00
$ 764-00
Fines
77,644-12
8,115-00
Fees for Firemen's Services
Donations
•
34,746-74
131-10
Net gain on sale of Fire Protection
Year Book
Interest
2,016.00
1963/64
$26,980.00
14,943-20
Recompensing members for extra services
Procuring for members who are serving or for former members who have been retired on pension, gratuity or other allowance, comforts, convenience or other advantages not chargeable to public revenue
Net loss on revaluation of Christmas Cards.
!
$
375.00
79,651-70
4,588-95
2.00
Remission of Fees for Firemen's Services
1,890.00
Bad Debts written off
Suspense Account written off
On Loans
$ 33.05
On Investments
490.00
Depreciation on investments
5.00
280.00
On Fixed Deposits
4,256.09
2,065-00
4,779-14
44,974-92
Balance being excess of income over
expenditure
200-00❘ Appreciation on investments
29,637.95
$88,788-12
$89,396-79
$88,788-12
$89,396-79
APPENDIX VI-Contd.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING LOANS AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
1963/64
$20,030-70
Outstanding Loans as at 1st April, 1964
$18,329.40
$17,036.00
900.00
Loans issued for period 1st April, 1964 to 31st March, 1965 Less: Loans converted to grants
$25,398.00
16,136.00
$36,166.70
17,837-30
$18,329-40
25,398.00
$43,727-40
Repayment of Loans for period 1st April, 1964 to 31st March, 1965
21,238.90
Outstanding Loans as at 31st March, 1965
$22,488-50
48
1. Queen's Fire Services Medals
2. 1963 Christmas Cards
3. Brass Helmets
4.
Direct Method English Course
5.
Red Art Silk Oakleaf Braid
6.
Firemen's Manuals
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
VALUE OF STOCKS AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
$
54.00
72.20
240-00
186-00
1,889-16
·
2,287.95
$4,729.31
49
Stock
H.K. Government 34%
Rehabilitation Loan 1973-78
Amount Deposited
Date Deposited
Interest Rate
Date Repayable
·
APPENDIX VI-Contd.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
Middle
Nominal Value
Cost
Accumulated Depreciation at 1.4.64
Market Price at 31.3.65
Market Value
Net Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation
$16,000.00 $14,596-40
$3,996.40
$64.50 $10-320-00
$280.00 $4,276-40
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
STATEMENT OF FIXED DEPOSIT AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
Wayfoong Finance Ltd. Deposit Receipt No. 100/176
$60,000.00 10th August, 1964 8% per annum 10th August, 1968
H.K. & Shanghai Banking Corporation, H.K. Deposit Receipt No. 101/280
$20,000.00 27th February, 1965 51% per annum 27th February, 1966
H.K. & Shanghai Banking Corporation, H.K. Deposit Receipt No. 101/371
$20,000.00
13th March, 1965 51% per annum 13th March, 1966
APPENDIX VII
WORKSHOPS STATISTICS
New Appliances, Ambulances and Vehicles put into service for 1964/65:
T.T.L. 10
M.C.U. 3
Light Rescue Appliance
Hose and Ladder Carrying Lorry
Foam Cannon
Portable Pump-PP-12, PP-13, PP-14, PP-15, PP-16, PP-17
'Volkswagen' Ambulance
'Vauxhall' Estate Car, HK8803
.
Mileage by all appliances and vehicles
Fuel Consumption (appliances and vehicles)
Pumping Time
Monthly Inspections
Repairs and Modifications (mechanical and electrical)
Body, ladder and general joinery
Canvas items for service generally
Hose repairs and tests to
Repainting appliances and equipment painting
Appliances
Equipment
Fire and ankle boot repairs
·
1
1
3
2
3
6
10
1
27
932,912 miles
79,649 gallons 2,042 hours 635 items 1,789 jobs 659 jobs 117 items
1,763 lengths
19 jobs
323 jobs
2,952 pairs
Alterations and repairs to uniform
113 jobs
Drivers, pump and turntable ladder operators (including auxiliaries)
tested and licensed
•
.
790
Accidents to all vehicles
Staff, mechanical
123
27
•
•
electrical
J
2
>>
sail-makers
painters.
3
4
•
>>
carpenters
5
tailor
1
cobblers
*
*Fireman (Hose-repair)
5
1
Ratio of mechanics to appliances.
* Reinforced by loans from stations as required.
50
1-5.55
51
Location
Fire Service H.Q.
Workshops, Stores, Training School, Fire Boats and Miscellaneous (Actual Strength)
Hong Kong Island and Marine Command (Actual Strength)
APPENDIX VIII
DISTRIBUTION OF STAFF AT 31ST MARCH, 1965
District Fire Officers
Senior Divisional Officers
Divisional Officers
Assistant Div. Officers
Station Officers
Assistant Group Officer (Woman)
Assistant Station Officers and
Principal Firemen
Senior Firemen
Leading Firemen
Class I Firemen
Class II Firemen
Fire Boat Personnel
Physical Training Officer
Secretary
Accountant
Clerical Service
Stores Staff
Draughtsman
Watchman, Caretaker
Labourers
Cooks
Telephonists
Ambulance Supervisors
Whole Time Auxiliaries
1
1
42
4
5 11
2
+
4
1
1
Whole Time Auxiliaries
1 1
1
34
117
4 24
14 18 418 12 116 | 71
22
21
29
12 24 39 | 52 | 446
1023
▬▬
-
245
Mainland Command
(Actual Strength)
Whole Time Auxiliaries
2 1
4
6 29
41
24 | 40 | 41 | 96 | 758
-
2
1 16
28
6 28
369
Ambulance Service
(Approved Strength)
Whole Time
36 186
1
1
1 36
1
-
-
1
11
9
-
6 1 1 8 2
―
| |
7
5
-
2
~ |
| |
52