4TH ALARM-HONG KONG ISLAND
84. Just after mid-day on the 10th May 1964 a fire broke out on the 1st floor of a 2-storey godown on the waterfront in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. The fire involved considerable stocks of rice, tea, beans, Chinese medicine, flour, electrical appliances and chests of valuable Chinese operatic costumes. The godown was of pre-World War I construction with a fire rating quite inadequate for the risk. The fire which spread rapidly under the influence of a 18 knot wind caused an early collapse of the old-style Chinese tiles roof, following which opera- tions involved little more than extinguishing fire in a 'pile' of expensive debris. Cause of fire was due to an incompetent electrician who after several attempts failed to correct the cause of a short circuit in the lighting system and resorted to the insertion of a nail as a fuse in consequence unprotected wiring laid on the underside of the timber floors and beams broke down under excessive heat, resulting in a 'flash fire' which involved the whole building in seconds. One Fireman was hospitalized and financial loss exceeded $1 million.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
85. Just after mid-day on Christmas Day 1964 a fire broke out at the Amusement Park at Yuen Long, New Territories. The fire spread with great rapidity and involved an area of approximately 60,000 square feet containing single and 2-storey wooden and brick buildings. Materials involved in addition to the Amusement Park were livestock, poultry food, Chinese medicines and herbs. The cause of the fire was unknown and financial loss estimated as a little over $100,000. The fire was brought under control in 11⁄2 hours. One member of the public, a 2-year old male child was rescued by Fire Service personnel.
4TH ALARM-MAINLAND
86. A little after 4 p.m. on the 15th May 1964 a fire broke out on the first floor of an 8-storey R.C.C. tenement building in Fuk Wing Street, involving a quantity of rubber sheets, rubber solution and printing equipment. 'The cause of the fire was petrol vapour ignited by discarded cigarette ends. Two members of the public were rescued by Fire Service personnel and two members of the Fire Service injured and detained in hospital. Financial loss was estimated at $100,000.
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