Hong Kong’s ‘Big Reds’ are still a joy to behold
Though the old fire engines have long been replaced by swankier, powerful machines, there is still something nostalgic about the clanging of bells
The Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station has big red doors, and they open smoothly to reveal some of the shiniest, reddest and probably the best-maintained fire engines in Asia. On a visit to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) fire station on Canton Road, station commanders gave a guide to the vehicles at their disposal.
The HKFSD has a proud history. Founded in 1868 with 62 expatriate firemen and 100 local volunteers, the Hong Kong Fire Brigade expanded along with the city’s needs. It was so well-equipped that the occupying Japanese shipped two of Hong Kong’s American LaFrance fire engines to the Imperial Palace Fire Unit in Tokyo, although they were returned after the second world war.
Older Hongkongers might also recall the shine and clang of the beautiful British-made AEC Regent and Dennis fire engines. These days, Hong Kong fire officers keep tabs on the latest equipment, and review their purchasing needs for tendering every year.
“There is no restriction on countries bidding; all are welcome,” says Ko Chi-chung, the department’s senior electrical and mechanical engineer.
Hong Kong fire technical staff will test contract awarded vehicles hard, at the maker’s factory, carry out local commissioning tests, and then trial run a one- to three-month operability test before the vehicles are accepted. The new vehicle is then stationed where it is most needed, and its predecessor is redeployed to remoter areas. Stations check the vehicles daily but with bigger checks and maintenance every four to six months.
The department has 9,515 uniformed and 725 civilian staff members in seven commands, including one for a fleet of 371 ambulances, all equipped with paramedic facilities, it says. Its 610 fire and rescue fleet basically comprises “Major Pump” fire engines, light rescue units, hydraulic platforms, turntable ladders and snorkels, backed by 21 fire boats and special equipment, say for fighting oil-refinery fires, or accessing village homes along narrow roads. The airport contingent has 14 fire trucks, two ambulances, two command boats and eight speedboats.