The Fire Services Bureau (CB) announced in a statement on Saturday that 229 fire incidents were reported in the first quarter of this year, which was seven cases more year on year.
The statement pointed out that the main causes of the fires were mainly due to unattended stoves, machine malfunctions and embers from burning incense, which accounted for 124 of the cases, about 54 percent of the total.
According to the statement, the bureau handled 12,187 cases, which was a 13 percent year-on-year increase. The statement noted that its rescue service and special service recorded the most significant increases, which rose 42 percent and 49 percent respectively.
The statement pointed out that on the one hand, in terms of rescuing work, the bureau handled 536 cases, mainly assisting injured or sick patients, as well as helping people to open locked doors, noting that these cases accounted for 53 percent of all the rescues.
The statement said that, on the other hand, the bureau was involved in 536 special service cases, mainly because more firefighters and fire engines have been patrolling the city.
The statement added that the bureau will continue to promote the importance of preventing fires and urged residents to turn off their stoves before leaving the home, as well as ensuring that all joss sticks are extinguished.
The statement noted that its ambulances were called out 9,986 times in the first quarter, which was an 8.48 percent increase year on year. The statement said that the increase was mainly due to more senior citizens calling for an ambulance when they had mild symptoms of sickness, such has dizziness, stomachache, fever, vomiting and palpitation. The bureau urged residents not to abuse the ambulance services, and motorists should safely slow down or make way for the ambulance when the siren is on.
Co1 poisoning cases increase
Meanwhile, the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases has increased as many flats have not installed a proper ventilation system or their stoves are badly maintained. The bureau said that firefighters have been working with community groups and volunteers to inspect stoves in different areas, adding that they inspected 1,224 households’ stoves in the first quarter. The bureau urged the public to ensure good ventilation when using gas water heaters, gas stoves or any equipment that could lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
An ambulance and a fire engine attend to a recent suicide case in Patane district.
Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
