Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho today reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 16 station officers, nine ambulance officers, nine senior firemen/firewoman of the Mobilising & Communications Division, 95 firemen and 15 ambulancemen at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy.

Speaking at the parade, Ms Ho thanked the Fire Services Department for its full support rendered when the Government enhances speed and efficiency in increasing public housing supply.

She stated that she appreciates the department’s efforts of maintaining close communication with the Housing Bureau during the stages of approving plans and final works inspections, being target-oriented in serving the public.

As a result, public housing residents in need can receive their flat keys earlier, Ms Ho pointed out.

Additionally, she expressed her hope of continuously working closely with the department to ensure that the Basic Housing Units to be launched in future can enhance fire safety standards to benefit grassroots households.

The housing chief emphasised that she was pleased to learn that the department is keeping up with the times by applying technology in operations, such as utilising big data analysis and artificial intelligence in mountain search and rescue, as well as enhancing efficiency and personnel safety in firefighting.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the newly developed Virtual Fire Scene Incident Command Training System, which allows firefighters in training to be free from weather, location and time constraints, enables the department’s personnel to exercise decision-making in areas such as command, planning and resources allocation.

The measures are in line with the Government's efforts in developing a smart city and smart building, Ms Ho noted.

She added that fire and ambulance personnel not only step forward in firefighting and saving lives but also stay keen to participate in the promotion and education of fire safety and rescue, thereby raising public awareness of fire safety and equipping the public to deal effectively with emergencies or contingencies.

Such efforts are vital for safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety, she said.