ENG-1986 — Page 268

PUBLIC ORDER

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vehicles of various kinds were put into service. Of these, six were mini-appliances purchased from Japan and specially geared to steep roads and narrow paths, which are typical of outlying islands in Hong Kong. The appliances have been in use on Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lantau islands. The department is constantly evaluating new products from different parts of the world with a view to introducing them into service if they meet local requirements.

To maintain its fleet of fire appliances and rescue equipment, the department operates three workshops - on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories.

Staff Training

All recruits except those in the specialist communications ranks of senior fireman (control) and senior firewoman (control) are trained at the Fire Services Training School at Pat Heung in the New Territories. The courses vary in content and last from eight to 26 weeks. The training of senior firemen (control) and senior firewomen (control) is conducted at the Fire Services Communication Centre in Kowloon by instructors from the Training School. During the year, 372 recruits successfully completed initial training.

The school also conducted fire protection courses for senior station officers and station officers, refresher courses for ambulance personnel, basic courses on fire fighting, fighting fires on ships and on the use of breathing apparatus for government departments and private organisations in Hong Kong. Some 880 people attended these courses during the year. The Driving Training School conducted courses for 2 370 officers and other ranks.

Establishment and Recruitment

The uniformed establishment of the Fire Services Department at the end of 1986 totalled 6 322. The number of civilian staff employed by the department increased to 627. Recruitment exercises were held, resulting in the appointment of 28 officers and 250 firemen and 93 ambulancemen. Standards are high and on average only about five per cent of all applicants are accepted for appointment.

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