An inter-departmental vegetation fire and mountain rescue exercise was held this morning (November 25). The participating departments and organisations comprised the Fire Services Department (FSD); the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF); the Government Flying Service (GFS); the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Auxiliary Medical Service; the Civil Aid Service; the Home Affairs Department; the Social Welfare Department; and the Hospital Authority.
​ The inter-departmental exercise was conducted along the hiking trail from Pak Mong to Por Kai Shan on Lantau Island. About 40 FSD members as well as members from the HKPF and the GFS participated in the on-site exercise, whilst other participating departments and organisations joined the table-top exercise at the same time.
The exercise aimed to enhance co-ordination, communication, command and control as well as logistical support capabilities among different departments and organisations during large-scale hill fire and mountain rescue operations. It also helped test the effectiveness and co-operation of different emergency formations during fire-fighting and rescue operations.
A spokesman for the FSD called for public attention to the risk that due to recent dry weather, a vegetation fire could occur and spread out more severely and rapidly with the prevailing wind. The spokesman also urged the public not to leave any ignition source while taking part in hiking activities, and reminded them to evacuate to a safe place if they encounter a vegetation fire.
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