An inter-departmental exercise simulating a hill fire and mountain rescue operation was held at the hillside of Violet Hill, Tai Tam, Hong Kong, this morning (September 25).
      
     The participating departments and organisations were the Fire Services Department (FSD); the Hong Kong Police Force; the Government Flying Service; the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Auxiliary Medical Service; the Civil Aid Service; the Home Affairs Department; the Social Welfare Department; and the Hospital Authority. About 170 personnel took part in the exercise.
      
     The exercise aimed to enhance co-ordination, communication, command and control as well as logistical support capabilities among different departments and organisations during hill fire and mountain rescue operations. It also helped check the effectiveness and co-operation of different emergency formations during fire-fighting and rescue operations.
      
     A spokesman for the FSD called for public attention to possible hill fires as the Chung Yeung Festival is approaching and many people will be engaged in grave sweeping or hiking activities. Coupling with recent dry weather, a vegetation fire would burn and spread out more severely and rapidly. The spokesman also urged the public not to leave any naked flames while taking part in the above activities, and reminded them to take shelter in a safe place if they encounter a vegetation fire.

Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Issued at HKT 14:44

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