ENG-1979 — Page 194

PUBLIC ORDER

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system has been a significant step in keeping up with the world trend to simplify the mobilising of emergency appliances and to improve incident response time.

Fire Prevention Bureau

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for the enforcement of fire safety regulations throughout Hong Kong. It also advises and assists all sections of the community in the abatement and elimination of fire hazards.

During the year the workload of the bureau was maintained in all spheres of its involve- ment. Concerted publicity campaigns have increased the community's awareness of fire prevention resulting in a call for more fire prevention lectures, exhibitions and demonstra- tions which are frequently conducted in association with kaifongs, rural committees and other community agencies. Greater emphasis has been placed on direct community involve- ment in fire prevention. The task of educating the public about the dangers of fire and showing them how they can be diminished is an essential part or the bureau's work.

Some 8,330 complaints were received from members of the public by telephone, letter or personal visits to fire stations. This indicates public concern over potential fire hazards and a realisation of the services provided by the bureau.

Bureau staff made 289,780 inspections of all types of premises. If fire hazards are found, abatement notices are issued which, if not complied with, can lead to court action. In 1979, there were 3,622 prosecutions resulting in fines amounting to $1,118,750.

All new building plans are vetted by the bureau which makes requirements for the provision of built-in fire protection and advises on means of escape. More than 8,980 plans were processed during the year.

In-service courses for fire officers posted to the bureau were held at all levels. Training was also given to officers from government departments, industrial concerns,__other countries, hospitals, as well as groups from organisations employing security personnel. At the end of the year, the bureau had a strength of 241 staff, both uniformed and civilian.

Ambulance Command

The Fire Services Department operates the ambulance service which has a strength of 1,020 all ranks. During 1979, 46 senior ambulancemen and 202 ambulancemen were recruited. Recruitment and training of staff were particularly active because of the need to provide additional staff for new ambulances and because of the reduced working week from 63 to 48 hours.

During the year, the Ambulance Command dealt with an average of 531 calls a day, an increase of more than 11 per cent over 1978. Of the total of 193,815 calls, 156,021 were emergencies.

To cope with a steadily increasing demand, the ambulance fleet grew by 16 vehicles in 1979 to 135, with 36 ambulances being replaced. The new vehicles, an improved type with automatic transmission, were built in the United Kingdom to the department's specifica- tions. One Range Rover ambulance, which was specially designed for narrow and steep roads, has been serving the Peak area since June, 1978.

With the completion in 1980 of a new ambulance depot at Sha Tin, service in this new town will be much improved.

Modern treatment methods and intensive training programmes are being instituted to improve the existing standards of ambulance aid and treatment. In addition to in-service training, officers also attend courses overseas. Facilities in ambulances are constantly