Fire_Brigade_1957-1958 — Page 10

the fire to its original area. In spite of the danger to the firemen by the exploding cylinders, they stuck grimly to their job and were successful in preventing further explosions from taking place in the factory. A big risk continued to exist throughout the fire-fighting operations as a large acetylene gas tank was still intact. Any undue delay on the part of the Fire Brigade in bringing the fire under control might have involved the tank and brought about an explosion and additional damage. The fire was eventually brought under control at 02.59 hours. There were no injuries or casualties resulting from this serious fire and explosion. Had the fire occurred during the day it might have resulted in a number of casualties.

27th January, 1958-

At 22.51 hours on 27th January, 1958, a violent fire and explosion occurred on the varandah of No. 362, Shanghai Street, 3rd floor, Kowloon. Three fire appliances and two ambulances responded to the call and extinguished the fire fifteen minutes later. The premises consisted of a four-storey tenement house of R.C.C. construction. The body of a Chinese female, aged five years, was found partially buried by debris and removed to the Mortuary. One other Chinese female, aged seven years, died later in hospital from the effects of severe burns. Six other casualties were removed to hospital for treatment. The explosion was caused by the inmates manufacturing fireworks.

14th February, 1958-

At 13.32 hours the Fire Brigade received a fire call to No. 428, Un Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon. Eight fire appliances, one fire float and two ambulances responded; the fire was brought under control and extinguished thirty minutes later. The premises consisted of a six-storey tenement house of R.C.C. construction. A Chinese male, aged two years, and a Chinese female, aged three years, were burnt to death before the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

20th March, 1958-

At 14.35 hours a fire broke out in the floating squatter area on the northern foreshore of the Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, Mong Kok Tsui, Kowloon. The fire spread rapidly inshore and involved other huts along the waterfront. By the time the fire appliances arrived, the fire had gained a firm hold on the

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