XN000022-1973-01-10 — Page 8

Wednesday, January 10, 1973

There were 1,845 fires in the period, compared with 1,381 in the

previous three months, when humidity was higher. In 1971, there had been

2,736 fires in the October-December period, compared with 1,481 in the

three months from July to September.

And in November 1971, when the average humidity had been 58 per cent

which would mean a "red" fire danger period under the new system there had

been 1,158 fire calls, against 564 last November, when the humidity averaged

76 per cent.

Despite the fall in the number of fires, there was no, reason for

complacency, he said. In the three months to December, 26. people had died

and 398 had been injured in fires, compared with 13 killed and 149 injured

in the previous three months.

Fire Risk

Mr. Jackson reminded the public that Hong Kong was now in the middle

of its most dangerous fire risk period. He stressed that the risk of an

outbreak now was greater than at any other time during the year, and that

any outbreak now would spread with such speed that it could be out of control

before help arrived.

he said.

"A few simple precautions can stop nearly all fires before they start,"

"Just make sure you don't overload or tamper with any electrical

fitting or appliance. Store inflammable liquids or gases well away from

heat or flames and take great care with cooking or heating appliances using

such fuels.

A1Keep