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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