ENG-1998 — Page 379

PUBLIC ORDER

Two major fire prevention publicity events were launched in June and November, The Fire Protection Command produced 1 000 video tapes and 80 000 fire safety pamphlets for distribution to the management bodies of commercial and industrial buildings and the public. Other publicity activities included broadcasts of fire safety messages through TV and radio stations, fire station open days and exhibitions.

Fire Services personnel conducted 142 994 fire safety inspections to all types of premises and issued 21 159 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 476 prosecutions in cases of non-compliance, with fines amounting to $1,935,165. Prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 163 convictions, with fines totalling $890,290.

The Fire Protection Command also sets fire services requirements for new buildings to ensure proper protection for the public. Some 9 878 submissions of building plans were processed during the year. The command was also reviewing the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and provisions regulating the conveyance of dangerous goods other than Categories 1, 2 and 5 by vehicles. Legislative proposals are expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council in 1999.

Appliances and Equipment

The department operates 676 fire appliances and supporting vehicles fitted with up- to-date fire-fighting and rescue equipment. During the year, seven major pumps, six reserve heavy pumps, two light pumping appliances, two mobile command units, 40 light rescue units, and three village ambulances were purchased to replace the old

ones.

The department is building one fireboat, two high-speed diving boats and one diving support vessel. The fireboat will replace the existing fireboat Alexander Grantham and the three diving vessels are to enhance diving rescue services. The old Fireboat No. 3 was replaced by a new vessel in October.

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 344 recruits, comprising 34 Station Officers and 310 firemen, successfully completed initial training during the year. Continuation training courses. were also arranged for 51 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 969 staff of other government departments and private organisations on basic fire-fighting techniques and the use of breathing apparatus. Arrangements were also made for 5 971 members of the general public to visit the Training School.

The Ambulance Command Training School provides basic training for recruit ambulancemen on ambulance aid, mountain rescue, anatomy and physiology,

303