BRITISH troops will be sent to help the emergency teams in Shenzhen if they are needed, a government spokesman said last night.
Specialist equipment used by the Queen's Gurkha Engineers and the Queen's Own Gurkha Transport Regiment as well as manpower and resources from all the joint services would be made available if requested by the Chinese, he said.
''Nothing has been ruled out - it all depends on what the Chinese ask for.'' Secretary for Security Alistair Asprey said emergency services in Hong Kong had been put on alert following a call from Xinhua (the New China News Agency) to the Political Adviser at 7.30 pm last night asking for help to fight the fire.
He said it was the first time to his knowledge that such a cross-border aid operation had been organised.
Fire and ambulance staff were on standby at Sheung Shui fire station and the Hospital Authority was told to warn hospitals there may be an influx of casualties. Medical staff and equipment could also be sent to Shenzhen.
''The Director of Fire Services has gone to the scene by helicopter to make an assessment both from the air and from the ground as to how Hong Kong might assist in fighting the fire,'' Mr Asprey said.
