Occupy protesters reach deal on access for fire engines in Causeway Bay

Protesters in Causeway Bay agreed to clear makeshift barriers from a section of the rallying site outside the Sogo shopping mall yesterday to allow fire engines to pass.

But Fire Services Department negotiators failed to secure a similar agreement with occupiers of streets in Mong Kok. No talks have been held with demonstrators in Admiralty.

The talks followed an offer by protesters to set up "humanitarian corridors" where barriers could be removed quickly to give access for emergency vehicles.

But deputy chief fire officer Leung Wai-hung said it was "not as simple as a corridor" when it came to putting out a fire.

Fire rescue work needed enough ground-level space to set up apparatus such as ladders and elevated platforms, he said.

"In places where many people are gathering and a lot of stuff is placed on the ground, it's not easy to clear out a way quickly," Leung said, calling for protesters to open up more roads.

The occupiers have agreed to remove barriers on East Point Road on the east side of Sogo, but have declined to open up Hennessy Road.