Fire_Brigade_1951-1952 — Page 14

28. With the approval of this Department some of the ground hydrants in Kowloon area have been fitted with plugs to prevent waste and pollution.

29. Static water tanks ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 gallons capacity have been constructed in convenient positions on Hong Kong Island and on the mainland. These tanks are filled with sea-water where possible and are for use when water mains fail. Full use of these tanks has been made on many occasions when water from the mains has been delayed during restriction hours. 74 of these tanks have been constructed: 54 in Kowloon and 20 in Hong Kong.

30. The installation of sea-water mains has started; when this can be used for fire-fighting there will be a considerable saving of mains water for domestic use.

FIRE RISK

31. In spite of regular visits made, and constant fire prevention lectures given by Fire Brigade Officers to the residents, squatter areas still constitute a very serious fire risk. Huts are constructed with flimsy match-wood material, and are inter-laced together; there are few fire-breaks; some squatter factories make use of dangerous industrial chemicals; cooking is done in almost every hut and oil lamps or candles are used at night; the source of water supply is always far away. Once a fire breaks out, hundreds of these huts can be destroyed in a matter of minutes, rendering thousands of people homeless.

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

32. The Inspection Branch of the Brigade continued its activities in fire prevention and precautions. 6,895 inspections were made during 1951-1952, 75 more than in the previous year.

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