As the dry season approaches, people are urged to take all precautions to prevent hill fires, particularly when going to sweep graves during the Chung Yeung Festival.
Speaking at the launch of the Wild Life Protection & Hill Fire Prevention Publicity Campaign today, Director of Fire Services Lam Chun-man said hill fires destroy our beautiful countryside and the natural habitat of its abundant wildlife.
He warned that acts of carelessness, such as leaving behind kindling in country parks, could result in irreparable environmental loss.
"Hill fires not just scar the landscape but also reduce the number of places for migrating birds to forage and roost," he said.
To publicise hill fire prevention, the Government set up the interdepartmental Task Force on Hill Fires in 1999 under the Security Bureau.
It has worked closely with the Heung Yee Kuk and district fire safety committees in stepping up publicity and law enforcement, significantly reducing the number of hill fires.
Fire prevention tips
* Grave-sweepers should burn offerings and joss sticks in metal containers during the Chung Yeung Festival;
* Picnickers should have barbecues at designated sites and to put out fires when they leave; and,
* Smokers should not discard cigarette butts in the countryside.
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