A new fire services training school with upgraded facilities is being planned and a qualifications framework being formed to build a diversified learning system for officers, Director of Fire Services Kwok Jing-keung says.

Mr Kwok, who retires December 3, told radio listeners today the 40-year-old Fire Services Training School in Pat Heung must be renewed.

Noting training is key to improving fire services, he said the department will run courses to upgrade colleagues' skills and knowledge, and put more emphasis on fire-prevention work.

Mr Kwok said the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme, launched a decade ago, has recruited 86,000 ambassadors. A "heart-saver" scheme was also launched in March offering one-day training to building management staff on first-aid assistance and the use of automatic external defibrillators to help those who require immediate medical attention before ambulancemen's arrival.

He said the heart-saver scheme will raise the survival rate of people with heart attack, and hoped it can be extended to hotel and elderly-home staff.

After 36 years in the Government, Mr Kwok said he plans to form a Hong Kong-China fire services association after retirement to boost exchange between the two jurisdictions and upgrade fire safety standards.