The previous two pages show the fireboat Alexander Grantham, at 352 gross tons probably the largest of its kind in the world. It is one of six powerful units capable of handling any kind of major fire in the harbour or waterfront
area.
The picture (above) shows a simulated escape—part of the detailed training undergone by Hong Kong's elite force of more than 2,500 firemen. As well as fighting fires, units are fully trained and equipped for rescue work, fire preven- tion and building inspections. The department also administers the Colony's ambulance service, whose 56 ambulances last year carried an average of more than 6,000 patients a month.