PUBLIC ORDER
334
A major fire prevention publicity programme was launched on November 17, focusing on enhancing community fire safety. A series of publicity activities, including broadcasting fire safety messages on television and radio, and fire station open days was organised. In addition, a new mobile publicity unit was commissioned for promoting fire safety and conducting roving exhibitions at schools and public housing
estates.
To improve building fire safety and the public's awareness of maintenance of fire service installations and equipment in buildings, the Fire Service Installation Task Force stepped up monitoring efforts. A total of 44 261 inspections were carried out. The Task Force also monitors the performance of registered fire service installation contractors, with 441 random checks carried out. Legal action was taken against five contractors who had contravened the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulation or the Fire Service (Installation and Equipment) Regulation.
The Licensing and Certification Command sets fire services requirements for buildings to ensure proper protection of the public. Some 10 374 submissions of building plans were processed during the year. Fire Services personnel conducted 195 744 fire safety inspections of all types of premises and issued 10 812 fire hazard abatement notices requiring the removal of fire hazards. These helped to ensure that fire prevention measures met the required standards and public awareness of fire safety was enhanced. There were 463 prosecutions for contravention of the Fire Services Ordinance, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance, with fines amounting to $929,665. Direct prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 45 convictions, with fines totalling $193,230.
Appliances and Equipment
In 2002, the department operated 792 fire appliances and supporting vehicles fitted with up-to-date fire-fighting and rescue equipment. Appliances procured during the year included eight hydraulic platforms, nine major pumps, four foam tenders, four light rescue units, two rescue tenders, one jackless snorkel, two light fire appliances, two diving tenders, one large hydraulic platform, one 37-metre turntable ladder, one canteen van, three fire motorcycles and five mini fire trucks.
A high-performance fireboat, the Elite, was commissioned in May to replace the Alexander Grantham as the flagship of the fleet. A new diving support vessel was under construction and will come into service in 2003, enhancing the department's maritime search and rescue capability.
Staff Training
The Fire Services Training School organises initial training courses for new recruits. The training programme for new recruits covers basic fire-fighting techniques, compartment fire behaviour training, operation of fire appliances and equipment, breathing apparatus, ambulance aid and physical training. Subjects covering fire protection, legislation, physics and science of combustion are included. The school also provides initial training to Senior Firemen/Firewomen(Control) and induction training courses to in-service appointed officers.
Altogether, 116 recruits, including 39 Station Officers, 29 Senior Firemen/ Firewomen (Control) and 48 Firemen, completed the initial/induction training during