The Fire Service Department will step up publicity to prevent hill fires and conserve the countryside during the upcoming Ching Ming Festival.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Deputy Director of Fire Services Lo Chun-hung said, with the cooperation of relevant departments and full public support, the number of major hill fires has dropped significantly in recent years.

However, a major hill fire during the Ching Ming Festival last year is a reminder that there is much more fire-prevention work to do.

He said firefighters will be stationed near hill fire blackspots in coming weeks, adding officers will also step up patrols to remind people of the importance of fire prevention.

More staff to be recruited

When asked why it took 14 hours to put out a fire in aTseung Kwan O market yesterday, Mr Lo said the market's sprinkler system had been turned off because of renovation work.

Firefighters needed more time to control the blaze because they had to break into each shop to check that no one was trapped inside, he said.