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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (October 2) reminded people paying respects to their ancestors at graveyards in the countryside during the Chung Yeung Festival period to exercise caution and prevent hillfires.
An AFCD spokesman said it is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance to burn incense improperly or leave behind kindling in the countryside. Any person who contravenes the ordinance is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year's imprisonment."
"AFCD will deploy staff and enforcement officers to patrol graveyards in the countryside during the Chung Yeung Festival period. Those who found breaching the law will be prosecuted. Twelve persons have been prosecuted by AFCD for illegal lighting of fire in different locations so far this year," the spokesman said.
"The great majority of hillfires in the territory are caused by human negligence. Accidents can be prevented if grave sweepers observe some simple guidelines."
* Remove weeds around the graves by tools and never burn weeds with fire;
* Burning should only be done inside a container or iron bucket;
* Never leave burning incense unattended; and
* Make sure all kindling is put out before leaving.
The spokesman said that metal containers will be handed out at suitable locations in the country parks to grave sweepers for burning offerings properly during the Chung Yeung Festival, adding that barbecue should only be carried out at designated sites in the country parks.
AFCD will deploy additional country park wardens to step up the efforts. They will patrol hillfire blackspots and distribute hillfire prevention leaflets together with the Fire Services Department, the Police and the Civil Aid Service. Volunteer teams from the Friends of the Earth and the Hong Kong Hiking Association, China will visit grave sweeping areas and hiking trails to disseminate hillfire prevention messages to the public.
The spokesman also reminded members of the public to keep the countryside clean. Before leaving, grave sweepers and barbecue site users should not leave behind their offerings or rubbish. As at September 30, AFCD has issued fixed penalty notices to 245 persons for littering in country parks this year.
Ends/Sunday, October 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:01
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