The Fire Services Department (FSD) mounted a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed "Crescent" in June. Over 300 fire personnel were deployed to inspect a total of 38 premises suspected to be storing excessive amounts of dangerous goods and 12 illegal fuel filling stations were raided. During the operation, over 50,000 litres of diesel and over 30 tonnes of dangerous goods, including about four tonnes of Class 3 dangerous goods, 14 tonnes of Class 5.1 dangerous goods and 12 tonnes of Class 8 dangerous goods, with an estimated total market value of about $1.7 million were seized. Eight oil tank wagons, five light goods vehicles with diesel on board and a large quantity of fuelling tools were found by FSD personnel at the illegal fuel filling stations.

     During the three consecutive weeks of the operation, 20 men and four women aged 30 to 83 years old suspected to be connected with the cases were intercepted. They will later be charged with suspected offences under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation. 

     To safeguard public safety, the FSD has already seized all the dangerous goods involved and will apply for forfeiture orders from the court. The FSD will also suspend the licences of the dangerous goods vehicles involved. Upon conviction, the FSD will revoke the licences and prohibit the vehicles from any further conveyance of dangerous goods. 

     The FSD will continue to step up its efforts in combating all kinds of excessive storage of dangerous goods and illicit fuelling activities by all means, including intelligence exchange and organising joint-department enforcement actions with other departments. 

     The FSD called on members of the public not to store excessive amounts of dangerous goods or patronise illegal fuel filling stations. They are also urged to report any suspected excessive storage of dangerous goods cases or illegal fuel filling stations to the FSD by calling its 24-hour hotline 2723 8787.

     With a view to enhancing the safety of the manufacture, conveyance, storage and use of dangerous goods, the FSD reminds members of the public that the amended Dangerous Goods Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation took effect on March 31. For more details, please visit the thematic website on dangerous goods: www.hkfsd.gov.hk/dg.

Ends/Friday, June 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:25

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