fitters sleeping the Workshops were only saved from drowning by taking refuge on tables and wooden wardrobes, and clinging to them until either they were swept clear of the flood waters or rescued by colleagues.
28. Preliminary survey of the Stores shortly after first light on 12th June 1966 gave rise to fears that the loss/damage would exceed $1 million. However, thanks to the diligence of Fire Service Workshops staff and the whole-hearted co-operation of the Stores Department, Electrical and Mechanical Office and Post Office staff, salvage and rehabilitation work was commenced on 13th June, and although this proved to be a long and tedious exercise, the eventual cost of damage and/or loss was confined to about $75,000.00.
29. In consequence of the rainstorm, Fire Service Stores was temporarily reprovisioned on an upper floor of Fire Brigade Building, Des Voeux Road, Central pending the commissioning of the new Fire Service Headquarters Building at North Point. Hong Kong Island Fire Control and the Director's Command Post, Hong Kong have been temporarily reprovisioned on higher ground adjacent to the present Fire Service Headquarters Building, Queen's Road East pending the construction of the new Hong Kong Island Fire Command Head- quarters in Hennessy Road.
30. Reference to the June rainstorms cannot be concluded without commenting on the commendable assistance rendered to the community and the Fire Service by the Civil Aid Services, the Hong Kong Regiment and regular members of the Army Garrison. Members of these units on their own initiative organized rescue parties and worked tirelessly in appalling conditions to locate and rescue casualties trapped by landslides, house collapses and floodings. There is no doubt that by their resourcefulness and initiative, members of these organizations, by reducing the demand on Fire Service manpower and equipment, enabled this Service to meet all demands upon it.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
31. In co-operation with the Government Information Services and all radio and press agencies an intense publicity campaign was launched to educate the public in the dangers of firecrackers at Lunar New Year, and the 1967 celebrations showed a pleasing decrease in outbreaks of fire attributable to the discharge of firecrackers.
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