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Hill fire fighting and rescue capability improves
The Government's hill fire fighting and rescue capability has been significantly enhanced since the Pat Sin Leng fire occurred on February 10, a government spokesman said today (Thursday).
"Almost all of the 29 recommendations made by the inter-departmental investigation team looking into the fire have already been or will soon be fully implemented," he said.
"Some of the recommendations are on-going efforts which the Government will ensure are kept up," he said.
For example, while the Government Flying Service (GFS) has reviewed its communication links with the emergency services in accordance with the recommendations, Security Branch will, in addition, continue to work with the emergency services to identify further improvements to communication systems among all these services.
On training efforts, the Civil Aid Services (CAS) and the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) have been organising training courses either for Government staff or for organised groups of teachers and hiking group leaders. These courses range from basic mountain rescue and mountain emergency handling procedures to mountain and hiking safety.
As part of the efforts to enhance communication, co-ordination, command and control capabilities in mountain rescues and major hill fires, a joint exercise was mounted by seven government departments this morning at High Junk Peak, Clearwater Bay Country Park.
The departments are: Fire Services (FSD), Police, AFD, GFS, CAS, the Auxiliary Medical Services and the Hospital Authority.
On the acquisition of additional equipment, GFS has bought two helibaskets, ordered fire resistant flight clothing and will be buying rescue helmets with hands-free radio and public address systems for helicopters. FSD is finalising plans to purchase boots, stretchers, rescue lines and ancillary equipment.
"In the country parks, 51 emergency telephones will be installed in strategic points this year and another 115 in the future.