Chairman of LegCo Panel on Security reviews Fire Services passing-out parade

The Chairman of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security, Chan Hak-kan, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for five station officers, 28 senior firemen/senior firewomen of the Mobilising and Communications Group, 64 firemen and 27 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (May 24).

Speaking at the parade, Chan commended the Fire Services Department (FSD) for demonstrating its professionalism in responding to disasters in the No. 4 alarm fire at a construction site in Tin Shui Wai last month. Faced with the difficulties of a large fire scene and various risks, the department quickly dispatched its personnel and rescue vehicles to the scene, and deployed drones and firefighting robots to assist in the operation. The precise risk assessment and effective firefighting strategies prevented the fire from spreading and causing casualties.

He mentioned that the No. 3 alarm fire at New Lucky House in Jordan last month caused multiple deaths and injuries, highlighting the importance of building fire safety. The Government is pressing ahead with the amendment work of the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) to empower the FSD and the Buildings Department to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners of old buildings who have failed to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and to recover the relevant fees from them afterwards. The FSD has also stepped up its efforts in conducting inspections and law enforcement, and launched various support measures to help owners of old buildings solve any problems encountered during the improvement works.

Chan said, "In recent years, the FSD has implemented comprehensive community emergency preparedness education measures. In addition to educating the public on disaster prevention and avoidance, the department also strives to promote cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Currently, nearly 3,000 AEDs are available for public use throughout Hong Kong. More than 80,000 citizens have become a member of the Resuscitation Alliance."

The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 124 graduates will be posted to various fire stations, ambulance depots and the Fire Services Communications Centre.