The Fire Services Bureau (CB) said in a statement on Friday that it recorded 422 fire cases in the first half of the year, an 11.64 percent increase year-on-year.
According to the statement, among the 422 fire cases, 103 cases were caused by unattended stoves or burnt food items. The statement pointed out that the main reason for the increase was due to leaving kindling items, such as lit cigarette ends behind. Therefore, the bureau urged residents to ensure kindling items are completely put out before discarding them. The bureau also said that its staff have been promoting fire accident awareness in different communities.
The statement said in the past six months, ambulance were called out 18,960 times, which were 784 cases more than last year. The statement said that the increase was due to, among other things, Angina pectoris, stomach ache and aching limbs, adding that cases involving senior citizens increased most significantly. The bureau urged residents not to abuse the ambulance services.
Meanwhile, the statement also said that firefighters took 4,051 suspected COVID-19 cases, involving 2,101 males and 1,950 females, to the hospital in the first half of the year.
The bureau reminded residents to comply with the COVID-19 prevention measures that the Health Bureau have imposed and to get their novel coronavirus jabs. The statement also said that for any enquiries related to COVID-19, residents can call 2870 0800. The bureau also said that if a fire occurs, call any of the following numbers: 119, 120, or 28572222 as soon as possible.
