The Fire Services Department will conduct an open recruitment within two months, after getting approval to appoint 266 disciplined members in 2005-06, Director of Fire Services Lam Chun-man says.

At a year-end briefing today, Mr Lam said although the local economy has improved, the department will continue to optimise its manpower resources and curtail operating expenses.

Flame tamers: New Fire Services Department equipment includes an Aluminised Proximity Suit, a Mobile Firefighting Supporting Machine, and Jackless Snorkel.

Streamlining underway

Subsequent to the civilianisation potential study with the Efficiency Unit last year, Mr Lam said the department has developed a plan to implement the recommendations through reengineering procedures and contracting out non-core services.

Ninety-six disciplined posts will be saved by phased deletion of posts, internal re-deployment and civilianisation.

Mr Lam said there were 35,092 fire calls last year, down 7.1% on the previous year.

There were 6,446 fires caused by human factors, involving welding, children playing with fire, careless handling of stoves, disposal of joss sticks, joss papers and candles, as well as careless handling or disposal of sources of ignition.

Fires killed nine people last year, six being victims of suspicious fires, while 405 were injured by fires, and 3,380 rescued. Forty-six fire officers were injured.

New gear introduced

To enhance operational efficiency, Mr Lam said the department has procured new equipment, including:

* a mobile firefighting supporting machine, effective in tackling special fires such as in tunnels;

* an aluminised proximity suit which can withstand heat of over 1,000 degrees Celsius;

* a Level A chemical protection suit which can be connected to an airliner unit for unlimited air supply;

* vacuum splints which provide support and immobilisation to limbs; and,

* a jackless snorkel with a nozzle for piercing through the fuselage of an aircraft.

To enhance the department's abilities to mobilise fire and ambulance resources as well as its communication efficiency, it plans to start commissioning the Third Generation Mobilising System in phases in the first quarter.

Mr Lam said the department will commission a consultant to study the feasibility of introducing a Priority Despatch System in Hong Kong to ensure that casualties in critical condition are given priority for treatment, and that resources are more effectively used. This system, widely practised in countries like the UK and US, has proved to be effective.

The consultancy report is expected to be completed by year's end.