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The Director of Fire Services, Mr Lam Chun-man, today (September 30) urged the public to help prevent hill fires during the coming Chung Yeung Festival.
Mr Lam appealed to grave-sweepers to handle the burnt offerings and joss sticks carefully, and he asked picnic-goers to barbecue at designated sites and not to leave behind kindling in the countryside.
The appeal was made at the launch ceremony of the Hillfire Prevention Publicity Campaign 2005 held at the Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai.
Mr Lam said an interdepartmental Task Force on Hillfires was set up in 1999 under the Security Bureau to enhance the public's awareness of the importance of preventing hill fires.
"The Task Force has been in close co-operation with Heung Yee Kuk and District Fire Safety Committees in stepping up publicity and law enforcement," he said.
"Apart from efforts made by the Government, public support and participation are essential to nature conservation and hillfire prevention," he added.
"The year's campaign aims to promote the protection of the green environment from being damaged by hill fires during dry seasons."
Mr Lam asked members of the public to help spread the message of protecting the green environment to their families and friends.
Also present at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Yuen Long District Council, Dr Tang Siu-tong; the Deputy Secretary for Security, Mrs Jennie Chok; the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Wong Fook-yee; the Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Angelina Cheung; the Chief Aircraft Engineer of Government Flying Service, Mr Lee Chung-chee; the Chief Staff Officer of Civil Aid Service, Mr Robert Chan; the Chief Staff Officer of Auxiliary Medical Service, Dr Chan Yiu-wing; and Miss Hong Kong 2005 Ms Tracy Ip.
Ends/Friday, September 30, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:55
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