ENG-1975 — Page 163

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PUBLIC ORDER

$40 million, of which $29 million was incurred by industry, notably textiles and plastics. As in past years, most fires (2,293) were caused by careless disposal of lighted cigarette ends and matches, with fires caused by electrical faults (1,087) coming next.

There were 38 deaths in fires and 412 people were injured the injured including 25 firemen. The number of people rescued from fire was 513. Deaths and injuries in special service calls numbered 279 and 1,470 respectively.

A fire prevention campaign was held during October and November. It included a five-day exhibition of fire fighting equipment, with the main theme being the preven- tion of fires in industry. In an average year these account for about 80 per cent of total monetary losses, although only six per cent of fires are industrial.

A new fire station was opened during the year at Lek Yuen housing estate in Sha Tin, replacing the existing fire station in the town. There are now 36 fire stations in Hong Kong, with plans to increase this number substantially by 1980.

Appliances

There were 14 new appliances brought into use during the year, including nine 50-foot snorkels (elevated hydraulic platforms) and three 85-foot snorkels. A pump and a light rescue unit were also purchased. Orders were placed for three 170-foot ladders, due to arrive in 1976, and one 91-foot snorkel. At the end of the year, some 500 vehicles and appliances, including ambulances, were in service.

Fire Prevention Bureau

In 1975 the Fire Prevention Bureau carried out 160,210 inspections, of which 64,472 related to complaints about obstructions to means of escape from buildings. The bureau has a staff of 210 and runs offices in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. It plays an important role in reducing the risk of fire by giving advice to industrialists, householders, school staff and government employees. Where fire hazards are found to exist, abatement notices are issued which, if not complied with, can lead to court action. During 1975 prosecutions totalled 935, with fines amounting to $400,000. In May, the government announced the introduction of stiffer penalties for failure to comply with fire hazard abatement notices.

All new building plans are submitted to the bureau, which lays down require- ments for the installation of fire protection equipment and advises on means of escape. During the year, 5,889 plans were received for processing.

To improve safety on vehicles used for conveying flammable liquids and com- pressed gases, annual licensing of such vehicles was introduced as from April 1. By the end of the year, 546 vehicles had been inspected as part of the licensing pro- cedure.

Ambulance Command

The Ambulance Command dealt with an average of 347 calls a day during 1975. This was 16 per cent up on the previous year. Of the total 126,538 calls, 107,560 were emergencies.