Fire officers will be equipped with advanced new breathing apparatus from next year.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee told legislators today the new gear, costing $45 million, features advanced electronics giving a clear indication of the amount of oxygen remaining in a firefighter's air cylinder. They also provide better protection against radiological, biological and chemical agents.

Mr Lee said the Fire Services Department spent $1.3 million in September to provide all firefighters with new anti-flash hoods meeting the latest international safety standard. Last month it also purchased 53 radios, worth $960,000, for fire trucks.

Meanwhile, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department is studying the feasibility of upgrading the Fire Services Department's analogue radio system and replacing it with a digital one.