The rate of hill fires has been cut thanks to the concerted efforts of Government departments and the public, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says. He told lawmakers today that hill fires have fallen from 3,300 in 1999 to less than 2,000 per year.

During the Chung Yeung Festival this year, dry weather increased the risk of hill fires. It took more than 51 hours to extinguish the fire that broke out in Tai Lam Country Park on November 1, mainly because strong winds caused flames to spread quickly and extensively. The steep and hilly terrain also increased the difficulty for fire officers to control the blaze.

As many hill fires occur near private cemeteries scattered all over the New Territories, the Government will continue to disseminate fire-prevention messages, through the Heung Yee Kuk, rural bodies and District Fire Safety Committees, to remind the public to handle fire with care and conserve the countryside.

For the coming Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, it will deploy more staff and volunteers, such as Fire Safety Ambassadors and green groups, to boost fire-safety publicity and education work at cemeteries where ceremonial offerings are burned.

Government departments will review strategies and equipment for fighting hill fires.