324 Public Order
Up to the end of 2008, a total of 96 324 people were trained as Fire Safety Ambassadors and 278 community leaders were appointed as Fire Safety Ambassador Honorary Presidents.
The 2008 Fire Prevention Campaign featuring a television variety show was broadcast and seen by more than one million people.
The Licensing and Certification Command determines the fire safety needs of various types of licensed premises, as well as dangerous goods stores and vehicles, to ensure proper protection for the public. It continued to work with the Efficiency Unit and the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit to further streamline the licensing process.
The Fire Service Installation Task Force has stepped up the monitoring of fire safety in buildings and heightened public awareness of the need to maintain fire service installations (FSIs) and equipment in buildings. A total of 71 035 building inspections were made in 2008. During the year, six owners of defective FSIs and four contractors were prosecuted for contravention of relevant regulations.
A No. 5 Alarm fire at Cornwall Court in Mong Kok on August 10 killed four people and injured 54, including two firemen who lost their lives fighting the blaze. An inter-departmental task group was set up after the tragedy to check the fire safety standards of all karaoke establishments located in composite buildings in Hong Kong. A total of 179 karaoke establishments were inspected and 188 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices and 48 warning letters were issued.
Appliances and Equipment
In 2008, the department had 854 fire appliances, ambulances and supporting vehicles. A fleet of 22 fireboats provided fire protection and rescue services within Hong Kong waters.
New Stations and Depots
The department continued to plan and build fire stations and ambulance depots to cope with the city's development and growing service needs, and to adhere to the Government's policy of providing the fastest response possible to emergencies. During the year, a new fireboat station on Cheung Chau island was commissioned.
Public Liaison Group
The Public Liaison Group was set up to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of emergency fire and ambulance services. The group had 30 members from all walks of life in 2008.
Correctional Services
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) runs a comprehensive range of services for adult and young offenders, drug addicts and offenders with psychiatric problems. Its services fall broadly under two headings: prison management and rehabilitation of offenders.
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