XN000022-1996-12-18 — Page 34

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Fire rescue measures in tall buildings

Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Reply:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

the total number of fire engines fitted with tower ladders operated by the Fire Services Department (FSD), and the districts in which such fire engines are stationed;

the maximum height reachable by these tower ladders in high-rise rescue operations; and

the rescue measures adopted by the FSD in the event of a fire occurring in a building with its height exceeding that mentioned in the answer to (b) above, and whether the FSD will review and strengthen its fire- fighting equipment so as to better equip itself for high-rise rescue operations?

The Fire Services Department (FSD) is equipped with 19 turntable ladders and 3 major snorkels. Of the turntable ladders, 6 are deployed in the Hong Kong Region, 6 in Kowloon and 7 in the New Territories. As regards major snorkels, there is one in Kowloon and two in the New Territories.

There are two types of turntable ladders. They can reach a maximum height of 50 metres and 37 metres respectively. A major snorkel can reach a maximum height of 30 metres.