12
Thursday, January 31, 1974
FIRE RISK STILL HIGH
Public Urged Not To Relax Vigilance
Although the level of humidity has risen significantly during the
past few days, the public should continue to remain alert to fire hazards.
A Fire Services spokesman said today that the danger of fire was
still very high and any relaxation of precautions on the part of the public
could lead to outbreaks.
He urged members of the public to make sure all cigarette ends and
matches were out before disposing of them. "Do everything you can to stop
children playing with intches and take sensible precautions in the home,"
Due to the cooler weather, he said, there would be an increase
in the use of kerosene for heating purposes and recommended that the public
treat kerosene with the greatest care. On no account should large quantities
be stored, except with a licence from the Fire Services Department.
Ho pointed out that there was one fire almost every hour in Hong Kong
last year, with losses amounting to over $85 million. The number of deaths in
fires vas 35.
"It is no good anyone saying it couldn't happen to them," the spokesann
said. "Fire can happen anywhere and in most instances is caused through
lack of proper care."
/13