The Fire Services Department is considering expediting the replacement of its ambulance fleet with newer models.

Director of Fire Services Gregory Lo said today the move will be studied this financial year as 64 ambulances, 26% of its fleet, have been in use for at least 10 years. He said 35 new ambulances will start duty in November followed by another 88 next year.

Mr Lo ruled out any connection between the recent deaths of two people with the breakdown of the ambulances they were aboard.

"The department attaches great importance to public safety and will deploy alternative ambulances if breakdowns occur," he said, regretting the deaths.

Increased inspection

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department will increase ambulance inspections from every four months to three.

Deputy Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services (Trading Services) Uy Tat-ping said maintenance will also be enhanced, adding all checks are stringently conducted according to suppliers' standards.

Mr Uy said since last Wednesday four teams have checked 218 ambulances. All are safe and some have had parts changed. The department will complete checking all 246 Fire Services ambulances this week.