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Hikers and gravesweepers were today (October 16) urged to play their part to prevent hillfires during the Chung Yeung Festival when the climate was expected to remain dry.
A government spokesman said that according to Hong Kong Observatory, the mean Relative Humidity from October 1 to 15 was 74%, which was lower than the 78% for the same period last year.
"As the prevailing dry weather will increase the risk of hillfires, gravesweepers are urged to handle fire with extra care," the spokesman said.
Hillfire prevention is a government priority and various departments have geared up for fighting hillfires. Coordinated by the Security Bureau, the Task Force on Hillfires, which comprises representatives from the Fire Services Department (FSD), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Government Flying Service (GFS), Civil Aid Service (CAS), Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS), Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), Home Affairs Department (HAD) and Information Services Department (ISD), is collaborating with district organisations and voluntary organisations to step up its efforts in the dissemination of hillfire prevention messages to the public.
The FSD will be on full alert from October 19 to 21. It will deploy additional manpower and fire appliances to deal with possible hillfires. Fire officers will step up their patrol on hillfire blackspots during the period.
AFCD will set up a special enforcement team to perform advisory and law enforcement work. It will deploy its fire crews to patrol country park areas and stand by for firefighting.
GFS will deploy additional crews to stand by for firefighting and airlifting firefighters.
CAS will deploy 230 voluntary officers to patrol country parks and provide firefighting assistance.
AMS will deploy 150 members to cemeteries and provide first-aid assistance during the period.
The Police will deploy more officers for traffic and crowd control duties at cemeteries during the Chung Yeung Festival.
Hillfire prevention publicity and education efforts will also be stepped up during the period. Pamphlets and leaflets will be distributed at fire blackspots and various gravesweeping areas. A new series of Announcements in the Public Interest will be broadcast on TV and radio to raise public awareness of hillfire prevention. Government Flying Service will broadcast sky shouts at country parks.
"As the countryside covers more than 70% of Hong Kong area, the Government will continue to carry out publicity and enforcement efforts. However, our efforts to prevent and fight hillfires won't be effective unless we have the full support and assistance of the general public. We call on the public to help protect the countryside," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:17
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