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REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER, HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE.
1. Cost of Fire Brigade:-The cost of the Fire Brigade for the year 1926 was $206,232.50 as compared with $333,846.00 in 1925 and $199,570.00 in 1924. Special Expenditure amounting to $58,165.31 is included.
2. New Fire Float:-The new Fire Float, No. 3, was brought into use in April 1926.
3. New Fire Station:-The new Central Fire Station was completed and occupied in October 1926.
4. Recruits:-The Brigade is still somewhat hampered by the difficulty in finding suitable recruits. The number of firemen is still short of the Estimates (120). Motor Drivers are also difficult to obtain and the Brigade is now relying almost entirely on training its own men.
5. Fire Brigade Enquiry:-As the result of a very serious fire (details of which are given below) which occurred at the Hong Kong Hotel on the 1st January 1926, a Committee of Enquiry was appointed by H. E. the Governor to enquire into the working of the Fire Brigade. As a result of this enquiry, 4 additional European Sub Officers were provided for in the 1927 Estimates and other increases in personnel and equipment were agreed to.
6. Special Events:-
(i) One of the most serious outbreaks of fire with which the Brigade has had to contend in recent years occurred in the largest Hotel in the Colony, the Hong Kong Hotel, at 8.45 a.m. on the 1st January 1926. Owing to a delay in calling the Fire Brigade, the whole roof of this six-storied building was involved before the Fire Brigade arrived. Difficulty was also experienced in getting water at high pressure up to the top floor. Assistance from the Navy and Military was obtained and by noon the fire was under control. By that time, however, the 2 upper floors had been completely gutted and portions of floors below were seriously damaged by fire and water. No lives were lost among the occupants of the Hotel, but unfortunately, a sailor, who was helping the Fire Brigade, fell from an upper storey into the road below and was killed. Shortly after the fire, H. E. the Governor ordered an Enquiry to be held to consider suggestions for the improvement of the Fire Fighting Organization. The Committee's report was laid before the Legislative Council on the 27th May 1926.