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Officers of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) detected a small fire in a dryer inside a laundry workshop at Pik Uk Prison today (October 18) at around 1pm.
A total of 158 inmates in the Laundry Workshop Complex preparing to start work were immediately evacuated to safe areas in batches. The Fire Services Department was also summoned.
The fire was later put out. No staff member or inmate was injured. Operation of the institution has not been affected. Investigations by the CSD are continuing.
A spokesperson for the CSD said, "The department regularly conducts exercises at all institutions to maintain the staff's alertness and capability in handling different emergencies."
Ends/Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:22
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