playing with matches also caused a large number of fires to break out in dwellings. A number of fires were traceable to the negligent use of electrical appliances and the cause of such fires was generally a short circuit due to unprotected and faulty wiring. Regular surveys of wiring installations which are being carried out by the Power Companies will help to reduce the number of fires from this cause. As kerosene is now commonly used as fuel for domestic purposes, a great number of fires were caused by defective or badly-manufactured kerosene stoves and negligent handling.
CASUALTIES
9. Details of casualties recorded as a result of fires and other causes (i.e. landslides, house collapses, etc.) and of the number of persons rescued by the Brigade are as follows:
Dead
Fires
54
Injured Rescued
235
18
Rescued but died after
Landslides, Collapsed
Buildings and Other Causes
12
93
54
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10. Squatter fires were responsible for the majority of deaths at fires and in 4 of these fires, a total of 35 lives was lost due to the victims being trapped in the fire areas. Squatter huts are usually constructed of very flimsy and inflammable materials and on many occasions when fire breaks out huts are completely destroyed before the arrival of the Fire Brigade, many of the inmates being trapped and cut off in the inner perimeter of the fire. Such a situation seriously impedes the Fire Brigade's rescue operations.
11. With the exception of the late Sub Officer Chung Chung Pak who lost his life as reported in paragraph 2, no serious injuries were suffered by the Brigade personnel.
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