Fire_Brigade_1951-1952 — Page 8

2.

Brief details of serious and fatal fires during the period under review, are:-

17. 4. 51. S.S, “Victoria Peak". A 04.27 hours on the 17.4.51, the Fire Brigade received a wireless message that the S.S. "Victoria Peak" was on fire and that she was proceeding to Hong Kong for assistance. This vessel of 4,105 tons carried a cargo chiefly of rubber and cotton. The fire was a deep seated and stub- born one and had gained a firm hold on the lower section of the cargo before the arrival of the Fire Brigade. The fire had to be fought with the aid of Breathing Apparatus due to the noxious fumes coming from the hold. Flames at one time were shooting out of the hold and ventilators, and the firemen were handicapped by the intense heat. The fire was brought under control, but serious damage was done to the cargo of rubber by fire, smoke and water. The cause of the fire was presumed to be gun fire which the steamer received outside the Colony. There was no loss of life or casualties.

20. 5. 51. Squatter Area. At about 18.14 hours on 20.5.51, a serious fire broke out in the squatter area on hillside off Tin Hau Temple Road, Causeway Bay. About 300 huts covering an area of approximately 1000′ x 500′ and contents were destroyed. The fire was caused by sparks from a cooking chatty which was left unattended in a squatter hut. No casual- ties were reported. The Auxiliary Fire Service rendered valuable assistance at this fire.

5. 11. 51. 359, Lockhart Road, 3rd floor. A fire occurred at the above address at about 11.09 hours on 5.11.51. The fire was confined to the upper floor where it originated. After the fire had been extinguished, an investigation as to the cause was carried out and