消防局年報 HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE Annaul Report 1959-1960

HONG

ANNUAL

DEPARTMENTAL

REPORTS

KONG

1959-60

PRICE: $ 2.50

CHIEF OFFICER

FIRE BRIGADE

Jumping sheet in action at

No. 513, Queen's Road West,

on 2nd November, 1959.

司公明德

铺金生菜

A rescue from a fire

at the same fire.

單行臣展

HONG KONG

ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT

BY THE

CHIEF OFFICER, FIRE BRIGADE

FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR 1959 - 60

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. F. C. JENNER, GovernmENT PRINTER AT THE GOVERNMENT Press, JAVA ROAD, HONG KONG

矗

EXCHANGE RATES

When dollars are quoted in this Report, they are, unless otherwise stated, Hong Kong dollars. The official rate for conversion to pound sterling is HK$16 £1 (HK$1=1s. 3d.). The official rate for conversion to U.S. dollars is HK$5.714=US$1 (based on £1=US$2.80).

CONTENTS

FIRE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES

SPECIAL SERVICE

FALSE ALARMS

Causes of Fires

CASUALTIES

STAFF

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT

FIRE BRIGADE WORKSHOPS

FIRE BOATS

HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

AMBULANCE SERVICE

TRAINING

Paragraphs

17 - 23

24 - 25

33 - 35

36 40

WELFARE

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

CONCLUSION

41 - 48

FIRE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES

DURING the year under review a total of 1,841 calls were received and responded to by the Fire Brigade, as against 1,367 for the preceding year. Classifications of these calls were:

Fires:

Buildings... Chimneys

Electrical

Motor Vehicles

Grass & shrubbery

Ships

Aircraft

Squatter areas

Small fires

False Alarms :

With good intent

Malicious

Special Services :

147

225

314

609

1.487

116

Emergency Calls-

Landslides,

House

Collapse, Drowning,

Floods, etc.

238

Total

1,841

The estimated monetary loss by fires was $5,440,906.

2. The number of serious fires has not been as great as in previous years. Brief details of the more notable fires are appended:

26th May, 1959 Fire at 134, BONHAM STRAND EAST, HONG KONG

At 04.15 hours on 26th May, 1959, a call was received to a fire at the above mentioned address, a 3-storey tenement building of wooden internal construction, occupied as dwellings and Chinese medicine shop. The fire was thought to have been caused by defective electric wiring which ignited combustible materials. The fire was extinguished at 04.55 hours by the Fire Brigade with 4 jets from 2 motor pumps pumping from hydrants, and one jet from a Turntable Ladder appliance. The rear part of the top floor and roof, with the contents of the house, were severely

damaged by fire and water. The roof, 2nd and 1st floors collapsed into the ground floor. A Chinese woman received burns on the right hand and was removed to Queen Mary Hospital by a Fire Brigade ambulance.

4th October, 1959-SQUATTER FIRE AT HILLSIDE, LO FU NGAM,

KOWLOON CITY

At 10.41 hours on 4th October, 1959, a fire broke out at Lo Fu Ngam, Kowloon City. About 254 wooden and sheet metal huts used as dwellings on the hillside and covering an area of about 400' x 450′ were destroyed by fire. Two Chinese men and two women were burnt to death, and two men sustained injuries and were removed to hospital by Fire Brigade ambulance. Three members of the Fire Brigade sustained slight injuries during the fire and were conveyed to Kowloon Hospital. It was presumed that the fire was caused by an unattended lighted kerosene stove in an unoccupied hut. 12 fire appliances and 2 ambulances were in attendance. The fire was brought under control at 11.49 hours.

24th October, 1959-No. 8, GODOWN OF KOWLOON WHARF &

GODOWN CO., CANTON ROAD

At 08.55 hours on 24th October, 1959, a call was received to a fire at the above address. The fire broke out in the rear section of the ground floor of a 4-storey godown, about 264′ × 120′. To extinguish this fire, 21 jets were used from 3 motor pumps and 2 fire boats pumping from the sea and hydrants; one acetylene oxygen cutting set was also used. Working conditions in the godown were extremely difficult due to the high density of smoke. Four compressed air, 4 Proto, 3 Salvus and 1 Robert Breathing Sets were used. Approximately 1,500 bales of raw cotton were destroyed by fire and water; 150 rolls of newsprint paper were damaged by water; and about 90 tons of general merchandise and raw cotton in wooden cases slightly damaged by water.

2nd November, 1959-No. 513, QUEEN'S ROAD WEST, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG

At 18.13 hours on 2nd November, 1959, a call was received to a fire at the above premises, a 5-storey R.C.C. tenement building. The fire was caused by the vapour of a chemical thinner coming in contact with a naked light in the cockloft on the ground floor. The cockloft was being used as an unlicensed plastic factory,

and the ground floor as a goldsmith's and rattan-ware shop, all of which were seriously damaged by fire and water. Fourteen occupants were rescued by means of jumping sheets, escapes and turntable ladders. All of the injured persons were removed to hospital by Fire Brigade ambulances. The fire was under control at 18.40 hours.

23rd February, 1960- Kiu KIANG STREET, No. 147, KOWLOON.

At 19.46 hours on 23rd February, 1960, a call was received to a fire at the above address which was occupied by the Champion Rubber Factory on the ground floor, and as dwellings on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. The fire spread rapidly to roof level along a range of roof squatter huts. The Fire Brigade used 14 jets from 5 motor pumps from pedestal hydrants, with two Turntable Ladders as water towers, to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control at 21.23 hours. The contents involved in the fire were machinery, printing press, rubber, plastic, cotton, domestic furniture and personal effects. This was a very serious fire.

SPECIAL SERVICE

　3. The number of special service calls was smaller than in the previous year. Some of the more serious disasters which required the services of the Fire Brigade are mentioned below :

22nd April, 1959--EXPLOSION AT RICHMOND POLICE POST, TSUEN

WAN

At 10.02 hours on 22nd April, 1959, a call was received to an electrical outbreak of fire at Richmond Police Post, TWSK Route, Tsuen Wan. On arrival of the Fire Brigade, the outbreak of fire was found to be in a generator plant. The fire was being fed by petrol and oil at the base of the generator. A few minutes after operations had begun to extinguish the fire, an explosion occurred which unfortunately injured one Police Constable and eleven members of the Fire Brigade. They were all removed to Kowloon Hospital by Fire Brigade ambulances and detained.

June, 1959-RAINSTORM INCIDENTS

From the 12th to 16th June, 1959, an abnormal rainstorm occurred in the Colony resulting in serious damage to buildings and properties, with heavy casualties in various parts of the Colony due to landslides and collapse of houses and squatter

huts. The Fire Brigade was heavily taxed in giving its services and was assisted in operations by the Civil Aid Services, Urban Services, Public Works Department, Police and others who all worked very strenuously to save the victims. During these opera- tions 85 persons were rescued, 25 dead bodies were recovered and 21 persons were missing and could not be found.

15th November, 1959

BOILER EXPLOSION AT WAN WAh Restaurant, No. 199, NANCHANG STREET, KowloonN

An explosion of a hot water boiler occurred in a restaurant at No. 199, Nanchang Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, on 15th November, 1959. As a result, five persons sustained injuries and and one died of the injuries. All the injured persons were removed to hospital and detained.

FALSE ALARMS

4. There were 48 malicious alarms and 68 given with good intent. Action is always taken by the Police to apprehend persons who originate malicious false alarms.

CAUSES OF FIRES

5. The careless handling and negligent use of inflammable liquids were the most common causes of fires. Children playing with matches and the indiscriminate discarding of cigarette ends also caused a large number of house fires. Many fires were traceable to the negligent use of electrical appliances, the cause generally being a short circuit due to unprotected and faulty wiring. Poorly made kerosene stoves and their negligent handling when used for domestic purposes were also a major cause of fires.

CASUALTIES

Details of casualties recorded as a result of fires and other causes are as follows:

Died

Injured

Fires

218

Landslides, collapsed buildings, drowning and other

causes

303

7. Serious injuries to Fire Brigade personnel during the past year included the Station Officer, Ambulance Dresser, Senior Fireman, Fireman/Driver and seven Firemen who were injured in the explosion at Richmond Police Post, Tsuen Wan on 22nd April, 1959.

STAFF

8. The strength of the Brigade was increased by 15 Officers and 61 other ranks. The approved establishment of the Department on 31st March, 1960, was 886 officers and other ranks.

9. Four vacancies for Station Officers were filled from overseas by new appointments made by the Crown Agents and seven vacancies were filled locally by the promotion of Sub Officers.

　10. Two Sub Officers were sent to the United Kingdom for training in fire fighting and one Watchkeeper was promoted to the rank of Sub Officer during the year.

　11. The vacancies for other ranks were filled by local recruits. Sixty two vacancies were filled by ex-employees of the Royal Naval Dockyard and by promotions within the department.

12. The staff increases were approved to meet the expansion of the Fire Brigade's additional new fire stations and appliances.

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT

13. All fire appliances and equipment are regularly tested, over- hauled and maintained in efficient and good working order by the mechanical staff of the Fire Brigade Workshop, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer, Workshops.

14. Two foam tenders and two trailer pumps ordered in 1958 and 1959 were received and put into commission.

15. Two Motor Pump Fire Appliances, three Escape/Pump Appli- ances and one Turntable Ladder Appliance were ordered during the year 1959, but delivery has been delayed by the manufacturers.

　16. The radio telephone network, consisting of three fixed main ground stations, 21 mobile units and 10 pack sets, was in full operation. Five new mobile units were ordered and received during the year. The system is of great advantage to the Fire Brigade when working at large fires, where no other means of communication is available.

FIRE BRIGADE WORKSHOPS

　17. A review of work carried out during the 12 months to 31st March, 1960 shows that the Workshops have operated efficiently and

economically. Records show that a remarkable amount of work has been carried out by the staff available who have to work under congested conditions. Fire Appliances are large machines and require much ground space for the scale of work to be carried out.

18. The machine shop is reasonable in size for Brigade requirements one small milling machine will complete our mechanical installation. All other equipment is adequate for the maintenance of our appliances, both now and in the foreseeable future. Therefore only space is required.

19. I attribute this record to the following:

(a) The Workshop Division operates as part of a disciplined force

and is in uniform.

(b) Mechanics are always on call for duties on the fire ground, day and night. There is a night duty staff available both in Hong Kong and Kowloon and the whereabouts of supervising staff is always known to Headquarters fire control. The mechanics are very keen and often turn out to fires voluntarily even when not on duty.

20. There is no delay in repair work as staff is available for 24 hours. Spare parts are also available for this period. Some repair is carried out on the station, making appliances available for use in the shortest possible time and without any need to remove all the items of equipment stowed on the machine. (On a large appliance the removal and restowing of equipment takes approximately 6 man-hours).

21. The mechanics in the Fire Brigade Workshops have many years of experience on fire appliances and are fully competent to carry out work from the smallest job to a complete overhaul. The repairs and maintenance of fire appliances must be carried out urgently and every effort is made for the maintenance staff to complete repairs

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　repairs in the shortest possible time whether day or night.

22. The issue of driving licences and the testing of drivers on all appliances, including the operation of pumps and turntable ladders, is carried out by the Workshops Division.

23. The following work was carried out during the 12 months ending 31st March, 1960:

Mechanics

Monthly inspections and serv-

(availability 10,

icing

1,017 items

due to night work)

Mechanical, electrical repairs,

overhauls,

new work and

modifications

968 items

Carpenters

General joinery, constructions,

and coach building ...

257 items

Sailmakers

Repairs to hoses and general

canvas work ...

3,164 items

Cobblers

Repairs to footwear and

767 items

Tailor

general leather work Maintenance of uniform and overalls for 1,000 officers and men.

FIRE BOATS

24. The Brigade has a fleet of three fire boats, consisting of the 'Alexander Grantham' and two smaller vessels, with which it is possible to fight fires on board ships in the harbour. The fire boats are also used for relaying water for fire fighting operations on land when difficulty arises from water restrictions. The fire boats are regularly slipped, overhauled and maintained by the Marine Department.

25. The new fire boat No. 2 was completed and placed in commis- sion on 6th January, 1960. This boat was built locally by the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Co., Ltd. in Hong Kong. It has a length of 77′ 6′′, a beam of 19′ 9′′ and a mean draught of 5′ 6′′. The main propulsion is by two 300 H.P. diesel engines driving twin screws which will give the Fire Boat a speed of 11.5 knots. The fire fighting deck is equipped with four monitors which operate on a turntable and can be elevated and rotated at any angle. There are also six deck delivery outlets fitted on the fire fighting deck. It is possible to deliver foam from the forward monitors with a foam output of 9,000 gallons per minute. There are full sleeping, toilet and messing facilities provided for an officer and crew of ten on the boat and a berth for a Senior Fire Officer if required at any time. It is also fitted with up-to-date radio transmitter and receiver installation and a searchlight.

HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY

26. Fire hydrants, both pedestal and ground. were inspected quar- terly and all defects reported to the Water Authority for repair.

27. At the end of the year, new installations and replacements had brought the total number of pedestal and ground hydrants to 926 and 1,380 respectively.

28. Salt water hydrants proved to be extremely valuable in checking fires during water restriction hours. These hydrants are inspected quarterly and maintained in good working order.

29. Throughout the year the Water Authority provided turncocks at Fire Stations to enable water valves to be operated during the hours of water restrictions.

30. Static water tanks are regularly inspected and maintained in good conditions.

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

31. The Inspection Branch made a total of 8,804 inspections of premises of various descriptions during the year under review. Apart from routine inspections in connexion with the administration of various ordinances, these inspections include good-will visits and investigations of complaints of illegal storage of dangerous goods, or of obstruction to staircases or fire escapes, etc.

32. Prosecutions of offenders for infringements of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, the Miscellaneous Licences (Timber Stores) Ordin- ance, and the Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Ordinance were undertaken on 131 occasions and convictions were registered in all cases with fines totalling $13,915.00. In many cases illegally stored dangerous goods were confiscated in addition to fines being imposed. A detailed summary of inspections is shown in Appendix II.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

33. The Brigade has a fleet of twenty ambulances, one of which became unserviceable as a result of an accident. Twelve new ambulances were approved and ordered. Six of these are to replace old vehicles and six are additional vehicles. Deliveries of these ambulances were delayed by the manufacturer. When all have arrived the Brigade will have a fleet of 26 ambulances. They are operated from the following fire stations:

Hong Kong

Central Fire Station

Eastern Fire Station

North Point Fire Station

34.

Kowloon

New Territories

Kowloon Fire Station

Terminus Fire Station

Ma Tau Chung Fire Station Tsuen Wan Fire Station Yuen Long Fire Station Tai Po Fire Station.

There were 20,027 emergency calls involving 20,951 patients and 23,386 routine removals with 30,283 patients involved. The total mileage for both services was 422,502 during the whole period under review. Charges were made for removals and the revenue collected amounted to $51,775.00.

35. Compared with the previous year, emergency calls registered an increase of 1.626 calls received and 1,415 patients removed, whilst removals showed a decrease of 145 calls and an increase of 593 patients removed. A detailed summary of calls received and number of patients conveyed is shown in Appendix III.

TRAINING

36. Officers recruited to the following grades continued to receive training as follows:

Sub Officers

Firemen

Seamen

3 months

3 months 14 months

37. The purpose of training is to ensure that newly appointed officers become efficient in discharging their duties. The subjects include lectures in firemanship in addition to practical drills. Instructors for these courses are qualified Sub Officers and Station Officers. At the end of the course an examination is held by Divisional Officers. This consists of practical and oral examinations. For Sub Officers a written examination is also given. Officers who fail to pass the examination are given further periods of training. Repeated failure in the examination may result in the termination of service of the recruit concerned.

38. Elementary English Classes are arranged each year for selected firemen. These classes are held at the Central and Kowloon Fire Stations. The classes for 1959-60 are Intermediate 1st year and Elemen- tary 5th year English courses and the number of students are 23 and 28 respectively. The object of these classes is to raise the standard of English of serving firemen with a view to fitting them for promotion to Sub Officers in due course. The classes are organized under the auspices of the Evening Institute and take place twice a week, each

class lasting an hour and a half. Lecturers are provided by Education Department.

39. Officers of the rank of Sub Officer and above are encouraged to study for the Diploma of the Institute of Fire Engineers.

40. In addition to the local training courses Government has also given approval for selected officers to undergo training in the United Kingdom. The duration of this course will be from five to six months. and will include a short course on fire prevention in the Fire Service College and one to two months attachment to Fire Stations. This course is considered essential as the Sub Officers of this department are recruited and trained locally. Two officers were sent for training under this scheme in the year 1959.

WELFARE

41. The Fire Brigade Welfare Fund, receipts to which were princi- pally derived from charges for services to the public, such as duties performed at matshed theatres, etc., was well maintained. Disburse- ments for various purposes connected with the welfare of the members of the Brigade amounted to $32,170.00, and the excess of income over expenditure was $20,362.80. $40,097.34 was brought forward from the previous year and the total sum deposited in the Treasury at 31st March, 1960 was $42,670.14. The value of local investments was $13,120.00. A statement of receipts and payments covering the trans- actions of the funds for the period 1st April, 1959 to 31st March, 1960, as audited by the Director of Audit, is shown as Appendix IV.

42. One of the Station Officers acts as departmental Welfare Officer and his duties are to give constant attention to the welfare activities of the Brigade.

43. The canteens established at Central Fire Station and Kowloon Fire Station were patronised during the year. The mobile canteen attended at fires of a serious nature and provided light refreshments for the fire-fighting personnel engaged. The refreshments consumed on such occasions are charged to the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund.

44. A Station Officer acts as Sports Officer of the Brigade. Friendly miniature football basketball and Volley ball matches were played between stations and with other Sports Clubs in the Colony, and members showed a great interest in these games.

45. The annual swimming gala of the Hong Kong Fire Brigade was held at the Victoria Swimming Pool, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay on

•

16th September, 1959. The programme consisted of 10 events. The C. & S. Division team won the championship trophy. At the conclusion of the gala, Mrs. R. G. Cox presented prizes to the winners. The prizes were purchased from the Welfare Fund.

　46. Members of the Brigade took part in launch picnics on the following dates:

Launch picnic to Silvermine Bay on 12.8.59

on 19.8.59 Cheung Chau on 21.9.59

on 22.9.59

47. A launch was hired from the Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd. for these occasions and members of families were also allowed

to come.

48. Social evenings were arranged for the staff and their families on Christmas and New Year's Eve. The parties were well attended and included 'entertaining' turns by various officers.

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

49. The Auxiliary Fire Service is raised under the terms of the Essential Services Corps (Auxiliary Fire Service) Regulations. At the end of March 1960, the strength was 620 men and women. Manning its own equipment and appliances, it is designed to assist the regular Fire Brigade in peacetime and emergency. As compared with the strength last year the figure 620 represents an increase of 53 members.

50. The following table shows the number of members recruited and discharged during the year under review.

Period

Enrolment Discharge, etc. Increase Decrease

Ending 30. 6.59

Ending 30. 9.59

Ending 31.12.59

Ending 31. 3.60

Total

109

51. The authorized strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service is 832 officers and men and the actual strength at the end of the year was 620. In order to make up the deficiency in the strength as far as possible, a fresh recruiting drive has been commenced and about 100 candidates will be enrolled into the A.F.S, as soon as all the medical examination results are obtained. Recruit Training Classes for Hong Kong and Kowloon District will be opened for them.

52. Regular weekly platoon training under the supervision of a regular Fire Brigade officer was carried out at the following stations:

HONG KONG

A.F.S. Training Centre, North Point

Mo Shuk School, Aberdeen

KOWLOON

Kowloon Fire Station

NEW TERRITORIES

Cheung Chau Fire Station

Sai Kung Fire Station Sha Tin Fire Station

Tai Po Fire Station

Sheung Shui Fire Station Yuen Long Fire Station

Tsuen Wan Fire Station.

53. In addition to the regular weekly platoon training classes, the following training classes were held during the year under review:

Date 8. 4.59

8. 4.59 2.10.59 4. 2.60

Place Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Kowloon

4. 2.60

5. 2.60

Kowloon Hong Kong

2. 6.59

Kowloon

5. 6.59 Hong Kong

Class

Driving Class for training on Diesel Appliance. Driving Class for training on Diesel Appliance. Driving Class for training on Onslow Appliance. Driving Class for training on Land Rover

Appliance,

Driving Class for training on Onslow Appliance. Driving Class for training on Land Rover

Appliance.

Recruit Training Class for Kowloon Recruits. Recruit Training Class for Hong Kong Recruits.

54. Various Passing-out Examinations were held at the following dates during the year under review:

2. 7.59 3. 7.59

Second Stage Training-70 officers qualified for diplomas on

completion.

17. 7.59

5. 8.59

Driving Class-5 Kowloon members qualified to drive and

operate the pump of Diesel Appliance.

Driving Class-6 Hong Kong members qualified to drive and

operate the pump of Diesel Appliance. 15.12.59 | Kowloon Recruit Class 18.12.59 Hong Kong Recruit Class

}

Successful candidates were dis- tributed to platoons for weekly platoon training.

15. 1.60 Driving Class--6 Hong Kong members qualified to drive and

operate the pump of Onslow Appliance.

　55. Qualified members were detailed to attend the Weekend Station Duty Training (Duration of duty: from 15.00 hours Saturday to 20.00 hours Sunday) at the A.F.S. Training Centre, North Point, Hong Kong. A total of 517 members attended the training during the year.

　56. During 1959-60 the Water Section of the A.F.S. carried out many surveys for Water Relays, plotting positions and pumping points for base pumps, intermediate pumps, etc. so that water may be supplied in any emergency from a permanent static supply to areas otherwise devoid of water. This information has been plotted on maps and will be transferred to the Water Relay Cards which should be ready in the near future. The officers attended at some of the major incidents and gave valuable assistance with water supplies and general fire ground matters. New sets of maps are now being brought up to date showing mains, pumping points, salt water supplies and salt water mains, and these will be available in the Emergency Control Centre Station as soon as complete so that information thereon may be of assistance to the Fire Controller. Officers attend at their respective controls for two hours per week to carry out their duties. It is hoped in the near future to carry out a pump and driving course for the A.F.S. Water Officers time and instructions being available.

57. Water Relay Pumping Drills in Kowloon District were held on 18th July, 1959 and 18th October, 1959 respectively.

58. The Defence Secretary's Cup Competition Drill was held on 14th November, 1959. The final teams competed in three drills each and awards presented by the Acting Defence Secretary, Mr. P. B. WILLIAMS. The cup was presented by the Defence Secretary, Mr. A. TODD, and it is to be the object of an annual competition.

59. The following monthly exercises were held during the year to test the efficiency and turnout of both fire-ground and control centre personnel :

Date

26. 7.59

9. 8.59

16. 8.59

13. 9.59

27. 9.59

4.10.59

1.11.59

District

Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Hong Kong

Division

HK-1

K-1

HK-2

HK-3

K-3

HK-4

Outlying

In addition to the above monthly exercises, all qualified officers and men were mobilized to take part in the A.F.S. Full Day Exercise held on 21st February, 1960.

60. The squads of the Auxiliary Fire Service were detailed to stand- by at Kowloon Fire Station on 1st and 10th October, 1959.

61. A total of 56 officers and men of the A.F.S. were mobilized to assist the Regular Fire Brigade to deal with 'Special Service' (Rain Storm) on 14th, 15th and 16th June, 1959.

62. The Auxiliary Fire Service attended and assisted the Regular Fire Brigade in the fighting operations on the following dates:

4.10.59 14.10.59

24.10.59

3. 1.60

22. 1.60

17. 2.60

21. 2.60

23. 2.60

24. 2.60

―

Anchor Street, Kowloon.

Tung Tau Village, Kowloon City.

Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf & Godown, Kowloon.

Tai Hum Village, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon.

Kowloon City Road, Kowloon.

Ha Heung Road, Kowloon,

Victoria Road, near Mt. Davis, R.A.F. Quarters. Kiu Kiang Street, Kowloon.

Tsoi Yuen Village, Sheung Shui, New Territories.

63. The A.F.S. Band gave the following public performances under the auspices of the Urban Services Department:

3. 5.59

14. 6.59

26. 7.59

13. 9.59 -

1.11.59

13.12.59

1. 1.60

7. 2.60

King George V Memorial Park, Hong Kong. King George V Memorial Park, Hong Kong. Victoria Park, Hong Kong.

Maple Street Playground, Kowloon. Botanic Gardens, Hong Kong.

Maple Street Playground, Kowloon. Victoria Park, Hong Kong.

Victoria Park, Hong Kong.

64. Apart from the regular activities, a launch picnic to Clear Water Bay was held on 18th July, 1959 by the A.F.S. Welfare & Recreation Club for members and families.

CONCLUSION

65. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the assistance and co-operation rendered to the Fire Brigade by other Government Departments and of the loyal support of all members of the staff of the Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Service.

The following is a list of appendices:-

II.

III. IV.

A graph showing the number of fire calls attended and estimated monetary losses by fire.

A summary of Monthly Inspections.

A summary of Ambulance calls attended.

The Balance Sheet of the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund : Receipts and Payments Accounts; Statement of Local Investments; and Statement of Outstanding Loans. A summary of existing Fire Stations and Plant.

7th July, 1960.

W. J. GORMAN,

Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.

Thousand

Dollars

2,000

1,800

FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT

HONG KONG

Number of Fire Calls attended and Ex- timated Monetary Losses by Fire from 1st April, 1959 to 31st March, 1960.

Calls attended

Monetary losses ==

1,600

1,400

1,200

APPENDIX 1

Calla

400

360

320

280

240

200

1,000

800

160

600

400

200

120

Apr. May Jun July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar.

TOTAL...

April

May

June

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS

1959

July

August

September

October

November

December

Buildings

Cinemas and Theatres

181

Dancing Halls and Academies..

214

Dangerous Goods in general...

140

180

193

116

107

116

1,252

Factories and Workshops

602

Fire Service Installations

112

•

Fireworks Storages

Garages

High & Low Flash

Inflammable Liquids

Hotels and Boarding Houses...

Kerosene stored in shops

165

Miscellaneous

174

Neon Signs

5 20622

♡

587

180

210

208

101

139

131

1,306

107

141

125

177

140

153

158

165

120

142

198 1,800

349

Offensive Trade

+++

Petrol Pumps...

Printing Presses

∞ N

193

211

Restaurants and Cafes

438

Schools

108

832

Timber Yards and Storages

176

124

111

612

760

759

958

909

745

776

882

706

726

462

531

590 8,804

January

February

1960

March

APPENDIX II

TOTAL

SUMMARY OF AMBULANCE CALLS

APPENDIX III

No. of Calls

No. of Patients

Month

Emer-

gency

Removal Total

Emer-

gency

Miles run

Removal Total

April 1959

1,521

1,960 3,481

1,640 2,485 4,125

33,427

May 1959

1,743

1,958

3,701

1,848 2,554

4,402

34,953

June 1959

1,878

1,947

3,825 2,035

2,754

4,789

37,678

July 1959

1,886

1,997

3,883 1,973

2,891

4,864

38,457

August 1959

1,848

1,834 3,682 1,987

2,331 4,318

34,334

September 1959

1,641

1,677

3,318

1,763

2,401 4,164

34,656

October 1959...

1,622

2,095

3,717

1,643 2,633

4,276

35,309

November 1959

1,515

2,035

3,550

1,550

2,473

4,023 34,921

December 1959

1,552

2,041

3,593 1,575

2,451

4,026 35,656

January 1960

1,779

2,016

3,795 1,852 2,422 4,274

37,432

February 1960

1,519

March 1960

1,523

1,854 3,373 1,533 2,339 3,872

1,972 3,495

1,552

32,385

2,549 4,101 33,294

TOTAL

20,027

23,386 43,413 20,951 30,283

51,234 422,502

Emergency Cases

Removal Cases

No. of Calls

No. of Patients

No. of

No. of Calls

Patients

April 1959 March 1960

20,027

20,951

23,386

30,283

April 1958 March 1959

18,401

19,536

23,531

29,690

INCREASE...

DECREASE...

1,626

1,415

593

145

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1960

APPENDIX IV

LIABILITIES

ASSETS

Value of Fund as at 1st April, 1959

40,097.34

Cash deposited in Treasury

42,670.14

Add excess of receipts over payments

20,362.80

Local investment at cost

Less Accumulated Depreciation

Outstanding Loans

$14.596.40

1,476.40

13,120.00

4,670.00

$60,460.14

Note: At the 31st March, 1960 Sundry Debtors amounted to HK$188.00 Sundry Creditors amounted to HK$85.55.

W. J. GORMAN, Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, 17.5.1960.

The above Balance Sheet, with the accompanying Statements of Receipts and Payments, Local Investments, and Outstanding Loans, has been examined in accordance with Regulation 12 of the Fire Brigade (Welfare Fund) Regulations, 1954. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as a result of this audit, that in my opinion the Accounts are correct.

AUDIT DEPARTMENT,

W. J. D. COOPER, Director of Audit.

Hong Kong, 7th July, 1960.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1960

PAYMENTS

RECEIPTS

Purchase of Sports Gear and Clothing

525.26

Fines

141.00

Grants or assistance to brigade clubs, canteens

or recreation rooms

Firemen's services...

$33,036.00

5.284.61

Less Refund

1,622.00

31,414.00

Entertainment expenses

1,314.50

Donations and voluntary contributions ...

125.00

Medical and dental attention not covered by

Government medical service

Interest on local Investment

210.60

$560.00

Less Tax...

70.00

490.00

Grants on death of serving members or pensioners

300.00

Other suitable purposes

4,172.23

Balance being excess of receipts over payments...

20,362.80

$32,170.00

W. J. GORMAN, Chief Officer, Fire Brigade. 17.5.1960.

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

STATEMENT OF LOCAL INVESTMENT AS At 31st March, 1960

Stocks

Nominal value

Middle market price at 31.3.60

Market value

Book value

Apprecia- Deprecia-

Lion

tion

Hong Kong Govern-!

ment 34% Rehabi-

litation Loan

1973/78

16,000

82.00

13,120.00 13,120.00

W. J. GORMAN, Chief Officer, Fire Brigade. 17.5.1960.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

STATEMENT OF Outstanding Loans as at 31st March, 1960

Outstanding loans as at 1st April, 1959...

Loans made for period 1st April, 1959 to 31st March, 1960

Re-payment of loans for period 1st April, 1959 to 31st March, 1960

Outstanding loans as at 31st March, 1960

$ 910.00

9,097.27

5,337.27

$4,670.00

W. J. GORMAN,

Chief Officer, Fire Brigade. 17.5.1960.

STATIONS AND PLANT AT 31ST MARCH, 1960

PLANT

HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE

STATION

Motor Motor Escapes Pumps (with

pumps)

Turn- table Ladders

Rescue Foam Trailer Fire Ambu- Hose Radio | G.P. Canteen Tender Tender Pumps | Boats lances Lorry Van

Van Van

HONG KONG:

Central ...

Eastern ...

Western...

North Point

Aberdeen

King Shan Wharf

A.F.S. Training

Centre

Fire Boat No. 3

Cheung Chau

Tai O......

KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES:

Kowloon

Terminus

Tsuen Wan

Yuen Long

Sheung Shui

Tai Po

Sha Tin...

Ma Tau Chung

Sai Kung

San Hui...

TOTAL

| | | |

22 M

APPENDIX V

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

Land Motor Trailer Motor Land Rover Pumps Pumps Cycles Rover

7 10

* General Purposes Tender.

CAD