About 20 of the 600 firemen who fought the Nathan Road inferno have been recommended for commendation with two having rescued 40 people.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Yeung Kwong-hung said he had completed a report on the performance of firemen during the 21-hour fire in the Garley Building on November 20.

" Those recommended for commendation rescued either the victims trapped in the building, or their colleagues, in a dangerous situation," Mr Yeung said.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lau Shu-lam said: " Two of the officers recommended have each rescued 20 people from the scene."

The firemen have been recommended to receive commendations from the Governor, Chris Patten, the Director of Fire Services or the Chief Fire Officer.

Mr Yeung said the report would be submitted to Director of Fire Services Peter Cheung who would consider referring the cases to the Governor.

Two other reports on the fire, which killed 40 people and injured 81, were submitted to Mr Patten yesterday.

The Governor, Secretary for Security Peter Lai Hing-ling and Secretary for Civil Service Lam Woon-kwong will be among senior officials to attend the funeral of senior fireman Liu Chi-ho on Monday.

Liu, 40, will be buried at the 1,600-square-metre Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery - a new burial ground for civil servants killed on duty.

Mr Patten and other senior officials will attend a ceremony at Cheung Sha Wan Fire Station, where Liu used to work.

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