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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
The first question read as follows:
In view of the past record of fire outbreaks in squatter huts areas, I know that once a fire gets started it will soon become a conflagration, owing to the lack of water supply and the inaccessibility of fire engines to these areas. I would like to know what measures of preparation have been taken by the Council to improve the situation in the hillside squatter huts areas in this respect? Would the installation of artesian wells and the construction of small access roads for trailer fire engines help to improve the situation?
THE COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT replied as follows:
This question concerns fire precautions in wild squatter areas. The responsibility for such action lies with the Director of Fire Services, who has provided the following information.
As regards artesian wells, these have proved to be very doubtful sources of supply at low levels and it is even more questionable whether they could be productive when bored from the high levels occupied by most squatter communities.
The actual transfer of water supplies to a fire area is not the only factor which leads to delay in the extinguishing of fires. The major difficulty is to bring supplies to bear at the seat of the fire, or in cases where it is necessary to control the fire as a first step, on particular areas. In doing so, the Fire Services Department has to make its way through crowds of evacuees. It has been found impossible to do this quickly with movable equipment, and therefore, in two squatter areas 3 inch water pipes have been laid and hydrants erected where necessary. Similar systems of built-in fire protection are under consideration for other areas.
As regards equipment the Director of Fire Services is satisfied that the best has been obtained. It includes small manoeuvrable land rover units which possess four wheel drive. Where possible, tracks are created to enable the equipment to be moved as near to the fire as possible. However, it will be appreciated that some squatter areas defy vehicular access because of the nature of the terrain.
The Director of Fire Services appreciates the need at all times for vigilance and is currently making a survey of all remaining squatter areas with a view to preparing for any emergency. In all areas, attention is given to the splitting up of large groups of squatter huts into smaller units in order to provide fire breaks. At the same time, he is disseminating information on fire prevention by all possible media and in this field he has the assistance of the Resettlement Department staff who encourage the use of fire-proof materials where possible.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
185
The second question read as follows:
I have received complaints from residents of Happy Valley, about the nuisance caused by the smoke from chimneys of nearby food factories which use diesel oil as fuel for cooking, baking or heating purposes. The chimneys in question puff out smoke almost directly into the adjacent buildings, causing serious damage to the health of the residents concerned, since these chimneys are far too low when compared with the tall buildings close by. A situation similar to this one is not uncommon in other residential areas. Is the Chairman aware of these matters and take measures to remedy them? Would the use of certain means of heating or certain kinds of heating materials permitted to be used, help the situation?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
During 1961, 36 complaints concerning smoke nuisances were received by the department. All these cases covering the whole urban area, were investigated. Many arose from incorrect stoking of fires, use of poor quality fuel, dirty chimneys, etc., and the proprietors were visited and given instructions on what to do. In general, good co-operation was obtained and in no case was it necessary to take action under Section 4 of the Clean Air Ordinance.
Many cases have arisen from the erection of large new buildings in close proximity to existing chimneys which in consequence are no longer high enough to carry the smoke away; in some cases it is virtually impossible to erect a chimney high enough to do so.
As suggested, and as I have already indicated, in most cases a great deal can be done by improvements in methods of firing and if details of the premises mentioned are given to me I shall certainly endeavour to see what can be done.
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