Fire_Services_1960-1961 — Page 15

11. Vacancies for other ranks were filled by local recruits. 134 vacancies were filled by candidates who responded to press advertise- ments.

12. Staff increases were approved to meet the expansion of the Department's existing services and to man the new fire stations and appliances.

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT

13. All fire appliances and equipment are regularly tested, over- hauled and maintained in efficient and good working order by the staff of the Fire Services Department Workshop, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer, Workshops.

14. Two motor pump fire appliances, three escape pump appliances and one turntable ladder appliance, all of which were ordered in 1959 were received and put into commission.

15. The radio telephone network consisting of three fixed main ground stations, 26 mobile units and 10 pack sets was in full operation. The system is of great advantage to the Department when working at large fires where no other means of communication is available.

16. Eighteen appliances comprising one turntable ladder, one extra heavy pump, two major hose lorries, two pump escapes, five water tenders, one agriculture tender, four landrovers and two rescue appli- ances were ordered during the year.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKSHOPS

17. The Workshops Division performed a large and varied amount of work. The head mechanic, together with 15 mechanics, carried out 1,200 monthly inspections and servicings and 493 repairs to fire services. appliances. A duty mechanic was available both in Hong Kong and Kowloon for 24 hours a day to deal with any emergency breakdown and in addition to attend any fire call of third alarm magnitude or above. Other workshop staff include three carpenters, three painters, three sailmakers, two cobblers and one tailor.

18. Records show that a remarkable amount of work was carried out by the staff available under most exacting conditions. Because of the shortage of space, sections of the division were forced to work at widely separated places, such as Kowloon Fire Station, Central Fire Station, Eastern Fire Station and the ex Naval Camber.

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