12. No serious injuries were received by Brigade personnel.
13. Many of the Brigade personnel attending a chemical fire involving Sodium Hydrosulphite at the China Provident Loan & Mortgage Co.'s Godown on 20.11.51, suffered, in varying degree, from the ill effects of the poisonous gases.
14. Special services were rendered by the Brigade for house collapses, landslides, drowning, leaking of dangerous gases, etc. 36 persons lost their lives under this category and 25 persons were rescued by the Brigade. Details are accounted for as follows:-
Landslides Drowning
House Collapses Miscellaneous
Dead on recovery
22
2
Rescued by the Brigade
17 (one died later)
0 0 0
6
4 (one died later)
3
4 (one died later)
STAFF
15. For a considerable time the Brigade has been carrying on with a shortage of Fire Officers owing to the retirement of two expatriate officers and the growth of the Brigade in keeping with the growth of the Colony. Like many brigades, this department is finding it extremely difficult to fill these posts. The standards set for enrolment are high and must be main- tained even if the Brigade is as a result short-handed for a time. Local recruitment continues favourably and practically full strength is maintained in this category.
APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT
16. All fire appliances and equipment were over-hauled, tested and maintained in efficient and good working order. Ladders and smaller equipment were made by the workshop staff and placed in commission as and when necessary.
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