ENG-1997 — Page 374

PUBLIC ORDER

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Fire officers gave 857 fire prevention talks to people from different sectors of the community. They were supplemented by exhibitions and demonstrations. Fire Services personnel inspected 113 244 premises of all types and issued 7 582 fire hazard abatement notices for the removal of fire hazards during the year. These helped to ensure that fire prevention measures met the required standards and to enhance public awareness of fire safety. There were 297 prosecutions in cases of non- compliance, with fines amounting to $1,484,020. Prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 159 convictions, with fines totalling $792,260.

After the tragic fires at the Garley Building and a karaoke establishment in Tsim Sha Tsui, new legislation was planned to improve fire safety measures in old commercial buildings and karaoke establishments. Before it is enacted, the department will step up inspections and conduct surveys to different types of buildings, with a view to ensuring that fire safety standards in these buildings are properly maintained.

The Fire Protection Command also sets fire services requirements for new buildings to ensure proper protection for the public. Some 9 564 submissions of building plans, including plans for new airport-related projects, were processed during the year.

Appliances and Equipment

The department operates 661 fire appliances and supporting vehicles fitted with up- to-date fire-fighting and rescue equipment. During the year, four 37-metre turntable ladders, nine 16-metre hydraulic platforms, seven major pumps, one mobile casualty treatment centre, nine mini trucks and one village ambulance were purchased to replace old ones.

The department is building two fireboats, two high-speed diving boats and one diving support vessel. One fireboat will replace the existing Fireboat No. 3 and the other the Fireboat Alexander Grantham. The three diving vessels are to enhance diving rescue services. The new Fireboat No. 5 was completed in October to provide a new service to protect the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun Area 38 in 1998.

Staff Training

The Fire Services Training School and the Ambulance Command Training School organise a 26-week initial training for new recruits. For recruit firemen, this covers basic fire-fighting techniques, appliances and equipment, breathing apparatus, ambulance aid and physical training. Subjects such as fire protection, legislation, physics and the science of combustion are also included. Courses for recruit Station Officers also cover incident command-and-control elements.

Altogether 367 recruits, comprising 39 Station Officers and 328 firemen, successfully completed initial training during the year. Moreover, continuation training courses were also arranged for 76 in-service Probationary Station Officers. Apart from providing initial basic training for the recruits, the Fire Services Training School also conducted various training courses for 1 406 staff of other government departments and private organisations on basic fire-fighting techniques and the use of breathing apparatus. Arrangements were also made for 4 375 members of the general public to visit the Training School.