K 27
REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER HONGKONG FIRE BRIGADE.
The close of 1922 may be considered as bringing with it the completion of the scheme of re-organization of the Fire Brigade, transferring the control and staffing of the Brigade from the Police to the newly created body of professional firemen. During the year large numbers of Chinese firemen were enlisted also motor drivers, and with the advent of Mr. Saunders, the new Station Officer and finally Mr. Brooks, the new Superintendent, the European Staff may be considered for the time being complete. Valuable work was done by Mr. Moss, Assistant Engineer and Station Officer in re-organizing the Brigade, but it was not until the arrival of the Superintendent that the whole re-organization scheme was completed and the different branches of the Brigade co-ordinated. The Brigade now consists of:
3 professional European firemen as officers.
European Engineer (part time).
80 firemen.
24 motor drivers.
and various other details.
2. The land equipment has been greatly increased as shown in the Superintendent's report attached (Annexe C.); and the Fire floats; [see Engineer's report Annexe D.] have been brought up to date by the provision of an electric Search light, flood lights and general lighting on No. 1 float and similar lighting on a smaller scale on the No. 2 float. The increase in the number of harbour fires during the year gives rise to the consideration of the question of the adequacy of the Colony's fire protection afloat. Shipping is increasing as is the size of ships to such an extent that it may be necessary before long to consider the provision of a very much larger float than the existing No. 1 float. Further the constantly recurring shortage of water in the City and Kowloon makes reliance on the floats for fires near the sea front more than ever imperative.
3. Work on the new Central Fire Station continued throughout the year the foundations being completed during that period. The new Station which is a 7 story building is, however, hardly likely to be ready for occupation within less than 3 years from now.
E. D. C. WOLFE,
Chief Officer, Hongkong Fire Brigade.
K 27
REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER HONGKONG FIRE BRIGADE.
The close of 1922 may be considered as bringing with it the completion of the scheme of re-organization of the Fire Brigade, transferring the control and staffing of the Brigade from the Police to the newly created body of professional firemen. During the year large numbers of Chinese firemen were enlisted also motor drivers, and with the advent of Mr. Saunders, the new Station Officer and finally Mr. Brooks, the new Superintendent, the European Staff may be considered for the time being complete. Valuable work was done by Mr. Moss, Assistant Engineer and Station Officer in re-organizing the Brigade, but it was not until the arrival of the Superintendent that the whole re-organization scheme was completed and the different branches of the Brigade co-ordinated. The Brigade now consists of :
3 professional European firemen as officers.
European Engineer (part time).
80 firemen.
24 motor drivers.
and various other details.
2. The land equipment has been greatly increased as shown in the Superintendent's report attached (Annexe C.); and the Fire floats; [see Engineer's report Annexe D.] have been brought up to date by the provision of an electric Search light, flood lights and general lighting on No. 1 float and similar lighting on a smaller scale on the No. 2 float. The increase in the number of harbour fires during the year gives rise to the consideration of the question of the adequacy of the Colony's fire protection afloat. Shipping is increasing as is the size of ships to such an extent that it may be necessary before long to consider the provision of a very much larger float than the existing No. 1 float. Further the constantly recurring shortage of water in the City and Kowloon makes reliance on the floats for fires near the sea front more than ever imperative.
3. Work on the new Central Fire Station continued throughout the year the foundations being completed during that period. The new Station which is a 7 story building is, however, hardly likely to be ready for occupation within less than 3. years from
now.
E. D. C. WOLFE,
Chief Officer, Hongkong Fire Brigade.
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