ENG-2000 — Page 396

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PUBLIC ORDER

A major fire prevention publicity event was launched in December. The Fire Safety Command produced 3 600 video tapes, I 400 video compact discs and 215 000 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 on television and radio, fire station open days and fire prevention exhibitions.

During the year, Fire Services personnel conducted 160 926 fire safety inspections of all types of premises and issued 14 122 fire hazard abatement notices requiring the removal of fire hazards. These helped to ensure that fire prevention measures met the required standards and enhanced public awareness of fire safety. There were 426 prosecutions in cases of non-compliance, with fines amounting to $691,700. Prosecutions for obstructing the means of escape in buildings resulted in 155 convictions, with fines totalling $591,600.

The Licensing and Control Command sets fire services requirements for buildings to ensure proper protection for the public. Some 9 715 submissions of building plans were processed during the year. The command completed a review of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and provisions regulating the conveyance of dangerous goods other than Categories 1, 2 and 5 by vehicles. An amendment bill was reintroduced into the Legislative Council in November.

A Fire Protection Information System is expected to be commissioned in May 2001. The system aims at enhancing the extraction of essential information for operational incidents; the preparation of statistics and reports for management and control; the on-line information sharing among all divisions of Licensing and Control and Fire Safety Commands, Regional Fire Command Headquarters and the Fire Services Communication Centre; and the response to requests for fire protection information.

Appliances and Equipment

The department operates 773 fire appliances and supporting vehicles fitted with up- to-date fire-fighting and rescue equipment. Purchases during the year included one 52-metre computer-controlled turntable ladder, two reserve heavy pumps, three low- profile hydraulic platforms, one mobile casualty treatment centre, three mobile command units, six lighting tenders, 10 hose appliances, 15 light rescue units, two diving tenders, two canteen vans and nine mini trucks.

The department is building a high-performance fireboat and a diving support vessel. The new fireboat will replace the existing fireboat Alexander Grantham as the flagship of the fireboat fleet. The diving support vessel will provide logistic support to divers engaged in rescue work.

Staff Training

The Fire Services Training School organises a 26-week initial training programme for new recruits. The programme covers basic fire-fighting techniques, operation of fire appliances and equipment, breathing apparatus, ambulance aid and physical training. Subjects on fire protection, legislation, physics and science of combustion are also included.

Altogether, 122 recruits comprising 10 Station Officers and 112 firemen have successfully completed initial training during the year. Moreover, a total of 519 in- service members have attended the continuation training courses in the school.