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People are being urged to step up preventive measures to protect their homes from fire.
The appeal was made by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Lam Chun-man, today (November 13) at the opening ceremony for Fire Prevention Campaign 2005-06.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lam said that many fire incidents which occurred on residential premises were caused by occupants' carelessness or ignorance of fire safety.
The most typical causes were careless handling and disposal of cigarette ends, overcooking and electrical faults.
Mr Lam said that that was why this year's campaign would focus on fire prevention at home to ensure that everyone's home was fire-safe.
The publicity drive will also be geared up with the appointment of honorary presidents for Fire Safety Ambassadors' Clubs in various districts, he added.
Fire Safety Ambassadors are volunteers from different walks of life who were trained on basic fire protection. The scheme launched in 1997 has received enthusiastic support and has so far recruited more than 63,000 ambassadors.
Mr Lam hoped that the Honorary Presidents, who were prominent community leaders experienced in community involvement activities, would help step up fire safety publicity at district level.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, who also officiated at today's ceremony said that the Government attached great importance to providing the institutional framework for a harmonious and stable environment, of which fire safety was an integral part.
"This is made possible by our fine fire brigade. We shall also continue to review the ordinances, improve law enforcement and enhance publicity and educational efforts on fire safety from time to time to protect the public's safety by eliminating potential fire hazards," he said.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Lai Sze-hoi; the Acting Director of Buildings, Mr Cheung Hau-wai; the Assistant Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Lai Ip-cheung; the Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Angelina Cheung; the Chairman of Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority, Mr Pong Chong; and the Fire Safety Star, Mr Jan Lamb.
The event was held at the Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza. The programme included performances by popular artistes and Canto-pop singers. Exhibition and game booths were mounted at the venue to help spread the messages of fire safety.
Ends/Sunday, November 13, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:50
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