Fire_Brigade_1947-1948 — Page 3

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APPENDIX J.

ANNUAL REPORT

CALLS ATTENDED.

1. The Brigade responded to a total of 483 calls during the year, an increase of 176 as compared with the previous year (1.5.46 to 31.3.47). This figure constitutes a record for calls

received in any one year,

Actual fires-Property 252, Chimney 41, Grass and Shrubbery

97, Ship 23.

Special Service calls, including house collapses :-48.

+

False alarms-With good intent 12, malicious 10.

There were 6 fires of a serious nature :-----

Fire

4.5.47. Cargo junk lying at Kennedy Town Praya.

followed by explosion of 880 bags of sodium nitrate. No casualties owing to alarm being given early enabling immediate area to be evacuated.

13.11.47.

S.S. "ALPHERAT in harbour. A cargo and passenger vessel of 7,650 tons on which an explosion followed by fire took place while en route to Hong Kong. Three forward holds containing general cargo, chlorate of Potash and Sodium nitrate were on fire. Following extinction of the fire 20 tons of chlorates and 15 tons of nitrates which were in an explosive condition, were dumped at sea as a precautionary measure.

25.12.47. Nos. 211, 213, 215 & 217, Hollywood Road. Four tenements each of 4 floors severely damaged by fire. Five persons were killed and 4 injured.

警要

31.1.48. S.S, “KTONG TUNG lying at Yuen On Wharf. A river passenger steamer of 1,218 tons gross. 30 lives were lost mainly due to passengers jumping or being pushed into the harbour in the general panic which followed the discovery of a minor outbreak of fire.

32

A

6.2.48. S.S. "HSIN KONG So lying off Lantau Point.

passenger cargo vessel of 1,037 tons was gutted by fire and beached, resulting in the damage estimated at $1,000,000.00. There were no casualties.

12.3.48. Film Vault fire at Entertainment Building. Film

Vault on

on 4th floor severely damaged and contents destroyed by fire. Two persons were killed as a result of this fire.