342 Public Order
Fire Safety Envoys to carry out frequent checks on buildings to ensure there are no irregularities. In 2011, 44 buildings had completed the four-pronged approach. Up to the end of 2011, a total of 102 target buildings had completed the four-pronged approach.
A fire in Parkes Street, in Jordan District on November 4, 2011 raised public concern about fire safety in old composite buildings. In response to this, FSD conducted special fire safety inspections of 209 old composite buildings in mid- November 2011 and issued 47 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices to residents/occupier for removing fire hazards such as obstructions to means of escape. The department also referred 233 cases of unauthorised building works to the Buildings Department for follow-up action. In addition, in the light of the No. 4 alarm fire at the hawker stalls in Fa Yuen Street on November 30, 2011, FSD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) carried out a number of joint inspections at about 40 locations where hawker stalls were found adjacent to composite/residential buildings. Potential fire hazards were inspected and hawkers were reminded about fire safety issues. The FEHD also took enforcement action against hawkers who contravened relevant regulations where appropriate.
The department continues to promote fire prevention to raise fire safety awareness among owners, occupiers and property management staff of industrial buildings. It continues to take enforcement actions to enhance fire safety in industrial buildings.
Appliances and Equipment
In 2011, the department had 924 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 continuing development and growing service needs, and to adhere to the Government's policy of providing the fastest response possible to emergencies. In September 2011, the training ground for Urban Search and Rescue Team in Sheung Shui was put into commission. It provided a realistic training environment for operational staff to get themselves familiarised with specialised urban search and rescue techniques.
Public Liaison Group
A public liaison group was set up in 2011 to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of emergency fire and ambulance services. It comprises 30 members of the public from different walks of life.
Correctional Services
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) runs a comprehensive range of programmes for adult and young persons in custody under two broad headings: prison management and rehabilitation of offenders.
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