operation at the time had all the equipment made up, and the unfortunate incident occurred when the Sub Officer together with Station Officer A. Martin and some firemen were carrying out a final investigation of the building. Without any warning the upper part of the building suddenly collapsed bury- ing the 2 officers and slightly injuring a fireman. Station Officer Martin was rescued with slight injuries, but the Sub Officer died before he could be extricated. Full Fire Brigade honours were accorded to the deceased at his funeral which took place on the 15th May, 1954.
22nd July, 1954-Kowloon Tsai Village Squatter Area, Kowloon. On the 22nd July at about 6,40 p.m. a disas- trous fire occurred in this large squatter area covering 25 acres and completely wiped out 1,500 huts with their contents. The Brigade had an arduous job and with 14 deliveries from 3 motor pumps, 2 trailer pumps and 4 hydrants, managed to bring the fire under control. Casualties recorded as the result of this fire were 7 deaths and 32 injured. The Auxiliary Fire Service was mobilized to assist in the operation.
21st Feb., 1955-Shek Wu Hui Market Town, Sheung Shui, New Territories. This fire destroyed most of Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui, one of the most prosperous towns in the New Territories. The fire broke out in the early morning of the 21st February and was brought under control at 7.30 a.m. Although there was no loss of life, the damage to property was very high. 39 two-storey brick-houses, 127 single-storey brick-houses, 90 authorized and 60 unauthor- ized wooden huts were destroyed, as was also
2