REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE FIRE BRIGADE.
There were 31 Fires and 59 Incipient Fires during the year as against 39 and 76 in 1907. Details are given in Table I.
The estimated damage caused by Fires was $198,219.00 and by Incipient Fires $1,025.80 as against $214,710.65 and $1,541.90 in 1907.
The Brigade turned out 43 times during the year.
2. There was constant supply of water in the fire mains throughout the year.
3. Two Fires occurred in the harbour during the year.
4. There was one prosecution for arson in connection with the Fire at No. 69 Bonham Strand. One man was arrested and charged but no conviction was obtained.
5. There are 34 Despatch Boxes kept in different places in Victoria and 9 in Kowloon, 5 different Telephones to which the Police can have access to communicate with Central Station in the event of a Fire and 16 Fire Alarms.
6. I enclose a copy of a report by the Engineer on the state of Fire Engines (Annexe A).
7. The Conduct of the Brigade has been good.
5th May, 1909.
Annexe A.
F. J. BADELEY, Supt., Fire Brigade.
HONGKONG, 22nd February, 1909.
SIR,
I have the honour to forward the Annual Report on the condition of the Government Fire Engines and gear for the year ending 31st December, 1908.
STEAMER No. 1.
Floating Fire Engine by Shand, Mason & Co.
The vessel has been used at Drills and Fires during the year. The Hull, Boiler and Machinery are all in good working order and fit for service in the Harbour.
STEAMER No. 2
Land Engine by Shand, Mason & Co.
The Boiler of this Engine is 11 years old, the Machinery and Boiler was thoroughly overhauled in November. It has been regularly used at Drills for Drivers and Fires during the year and is now in good working order.
STEAMER No. 3.
Land Engine by Shand, Mason & Co.
The Engine and Boiler has been thoroughly overhauled during the year. It has been regularly used at Fires and Drill for Drivers and is now in good order and condition.
STEAMER Nos. 4 AND 5.
Land Engines by Shand, Mason & Co.
These Engines and Boilers have been overhauled as required during the year, have been regularly used at Drills and Fires and are now in good working order.
Manual Engines and Gear.
All the Manual Engines and Gear, Hose, Reels, Ladders and Supply Carts have been kept in repair and are now in good working order. One new extension Ladder 55 feet in height was built locally during the year and has been regularly used at Drills for Firemen.
Fire Alarm.
A new Fire Alarm System of 12 Points has been installed during the year and found to work very satisfactorily.
F. J. BADELEY, Esq.,
Capt. Supt. of Police.
I have, &c.,
D. MACDONALD, Engineer, Fire Brigade.