Hong Kong authorities ramp up measures to prevent hill fires during Ching Ming Festival

As the Ching Ming Festival approaches this Friday, the Fire Services Department (FSD) has issued a warning about the increased risk of hill fires due to dry weather conditions expected on April 4. 

The FSD has observed that, on average, Hong Kong experiences around 600 hill fires annually, with about 60 of these occurring during the Ching Ming Festival.

The FSD has noted a "wave-like trend" in wildfire incidents over the years, where the number of fires fluctuates periodically. Factors such as the accumulation of combustible materials from growing vegetation, dry weather, and human negligence contribute to these variations.

To better understand and manage these risks, the department has utilized big data to analyze the timing, locations, and weather conditions associated with past wildfires and has conducted field risk assessments to identify high-risk areas.

Eight locations have been pinpointed as particularly susceptible to wildfires, including Tseng Hang Gully in Yuen Long, Cheung Ngau Shan, Ho Hok Shan, Wa Shan in Sheung Shui, Chi Ma Leng in Pat Heung, Kai Shan in Tin Shui Wai, and Lam Hang Shan in Lau Fau Shan. In response, the FSD has enhanced patrols in these areas in collaboration with the Civil Aid Service.

To further bolster fire prevention efforts during the festival, the FSD, in conjunction with the Civil Aid Service, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and the Government Flying Service, will deploy approximately 500 additional personnel.

These teams will focus on patrolling popular grave-sweeping sites and the Tactical Support Unit will be on standby at fire stations in strategic locations including Shun Lee in Kwun Tong, Sai Kung, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Yuen Long, and Pat Heung. Additionally, four drones will be used for high-altitude patrols and to broadcast fire prevention messages.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also increase patrols in country parks and distribute joss paper buckets to visitors to safely burn joss sticks and offerings, while urging the public to refrain from burning wild grass.

In the event of a hill fire, the FSD advises the public to remain calm, call the wildfire control center hotline at 2720 0777, or notify the police. When escaping a hill fire, it is recommended to use existing trails with fewer plants, avoid moving in the direction of the fire's spread, and steer clear of grasslands or dense forests. Since hill fire tend to spread faster uphill, escaping uphill should be avoided.