fire was under control by 07.52 hours. Eleven huts were involved; two firemen were slightly injured in the fire-fighting when a wall collapsed.

4th March, 1959-SQUATTER AREA IN SUN WAI VILLAGE AND CHIU CHIU WO VILLAGE (WING HONG STREET), Castle

PEAK ROAD, KOWLOON

A call was received at 09.27 hours on 4th March, 1959 to a fire in this area, where 11 single and two-storey wood, brick, stone and sheet metal structures, were severely damaged by fire. One Pump/escape, two Pumps, an Emergency Tender, a Hosc Lorry, a Radio Van, a Land Rover, a Trailer Pump and two Ambulances were in attendance. The fire was brought under control at 09.50 hours. Two persons were slightly injured and removed to hospital by ambulance.

11th March, 1959-SQUATTER AREA FIRE IN SHEK KIP MEI

A call was received at 04.46 hours on 11th March, 1959 to a fire in a squatter arca at Shek Kip Mei. Three Pumps, two Pump/escapes, a Hose Lorry, an Emergency Tender, and a Van were in attendance. On the arrival of the Brigade at the scene, the fire was found to be well established in the valley some 2,500 feet from the nearest made-up road which appliances could use. Flames were leaping high into the air and were being driven by a moderate wind in a north-westerly direction. At both the north- west and the south-east sides of the fire, the flames had a distinct blue and orange colouring consistent with the combustion of volatile liquids of a petroleum origin. The fire which was spread- ing across the whole floor or the valley was surrounded as a first step and then extinguished.

Investigations by Fire and Police Officers revealed that the fire originated in a two-storey wood and stone building occupied by a drug addict (believed to have been killed), and there, is evidence that this building as well as many others in the area, was also used for minor industrial purposes. It is thought that a number of the persons who were killed had been asleep, and were overcome by asphyxiation before the fire reached them.

At approximately 08.05 hours while turning over debris to ensure that the fire had been extinguished the Fire Brigade found a badly burnt body and subsequently three others which were removed by the Police. Throughout the day firemen continued to

:

*

Share This Page