An interdepartmental vegetation fire and mountain rescue exercise was held today (October 9). Participating departments and organisations comprised 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, mobilising a total of about 150 personnel.
 
     The exercise was conducted in the area around Lion Rock Country Park, simulating a scenario where 25 hikers encountered a vegetation fire. The FSD deployed about 90 fire and ambulance personnel in total, as well as a large drone to drop water bombs for the first time to prepare for operational deployments during the Chung Yeung Festival. The FSD also applied various innovative technologies including the Patient Tagging System for Multiple Casualties Incidents, the Mountain Rescue Mobile App, viewshed analysis, the Mobile Phone Locator, along with AI to analyse fire conditions, locate persons awaiting rescue, and enhance search and rescue efficiency.
 
     The exercise aimed to enhance the co-ordination, communication, command and control, and logistical support capabilities among different departments and organisations during large-scale hill fire and mountain rescue operations. It also helped test the effectiveness and co-operation of different emergency formations during firefighting and rescue operations, as well as the application of innovative technology and AI. Members of the Wong Tai Sin District Council and the Wong Tai Sin District Fire Safety Committee also attended the exercise as observers to assist in promoting hill fire prevention and safety awareness in mountaineering in the community.
 
     The FSD reminded the public that given the recent dry weather, should a vegetation fire occur, it could become fierce with the wind and spread rapidly. Therefore, members of the public are urged not to leave any ignition sources behind during grave sweeping or hiking activities and must evacuate to a safe place in the event of a fire.

Ends/Friday, October 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:55

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