# REPORT BY THE CHIEF OFFICER
# HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE.
1. Cost of Fire Brigade-The cost of the Fire Brigade for the year 1929 was $232,826.21 as compared with $197,222.37 in 1928 and $190,350.27 in 1927. Special Expenditure amounting to $46,940.28 is included.
2. Stations and Equipment. It was not found possible to proceed with any new stations during the year; the preparation of plans during 1930 of the new Central Fire Station for Kowloon has however been approved.
Government approval was given for the provision of a new motor Fire Float in 1930 and the work of compiling specifications is in hand.
The question of the provision of a new, additional, Turntable Water Tower and Fire Escape was considered during the year but has had to stand over for a time.
3. Special Occurrences.
(a) Fires. Loss of Life.--The year 1929 was marked by a most disastrous and fatal fire at the King Edward Hotel on the 11th March, when two persons were burned to death and nine were killed or died from injuries received in their endeavours to escape by jumping from the burning building. Twelve persons were rescued from the building by means of the Fire Brigade's appliances; of this number three were injured but have since recovered.
At the Inquest held in connection with this fire, the Jury found that the internal design and construction of the premises was such that, without adequate external means of escape, the building was unsuitable for occupation as an hotel. The Jury commended the Fire Brigade for "their speedy arrival on the scene and their handling of the situation", and they attached "no blame whatever to the Brigade in connection with the deplorable loss of life".
Recommendations were made for legislation empowering the Building Authority to insist on obvious safeguards against fire in old buildings such as the King Edward Hotel.
(b) General. The Annual Drill Display of the Brigade which included the final heats of the motor escape, motor pump and despatch box competitions, took place on the compound of the Police Headquarters on the 27th November and was witnessed by a large number of the public.
4. The report of the Superintendent giving full details of the work of the Brigade during the year 1929, is attached.
E. D. C. WOLFE, Chief Officer Fire Brigade.
25th February, 1930.
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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 1929 was $232,826.21 as compared with $197,222.37 in 1928 and $190,350.27 in 1927. Special Expenditure amount- ing to $46,940.28 is included.
2. Stations and Equipment. It was not found possible to proceed with any new stations during the year; the preparation of plans during 1930 of the new Central Fire Station for Kow- loon has however been approved.
Government approval was given for the provision of a new motor Fire Float in 1980 and the work of compiling specifications is in hand.
The question of the provision of a new, additional, Turn- table Water Tower and Fire Escape was considered during the year but has had to stand over for a time.
3. Special Occurrences.
(a) Fires. Loss of Life.--The year 1929 was marked by a most disastrous and fatal fire at the King Edward Hotel on the 11th March, when two persons were burned to death and nine were killed or died from injuries received in their endeav- ours to escape by jumping from the burning building. Twelve persons were rescued from the building by means of the Fire Brigade's appliances; of this number three were injured but have since recovered.
At the Inquest held in connection with this fire, the Jury found that the internal design and construction of the premises was such that, without adequate external means of escape, the building was unsuitable for occupation as an hotel. The Jury commended the Fire Brigade for "their speedy arrival on the scene and their handling of the situation", and they attached "no blame whatever to the Brigade in connection with the deplorable loss of life".
Recommendations were made for legislation empowering the Building Authority to insist on obvious safeguards against fire in old buildings such as the King Edward Hotel.
(b) General. The Annual Drill Display of the Brigade which included the final heats of the motor escape, motor pump and despatch box competitions, took place on the compound of the Police Headquarters on the 27th November and was witnessed by a large number of the public.
4. The report of the Superintendent giving full details of the work of the Brigade during the year 1929, is attached.
E. D. C. WOLFE, Chief Officer Fire Brigade.
25th February, 1930.
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