Recently, suspected illegal fuel transfer activities were detected in Tseung Kwan O. The incidents took place close to residential buildings, acting like ticking time bombs in the community! The Fire Services Department (FSD), together with the Sai Kung District Fire Safety Committee and the Honorary Presidents’ Association of FSD Community Emergency Response Team (Sai Kung District), launched a publicity and education campaign in Tseung Kwan O today (5 August). The campaign aims to teach members of the public how to spot illegal fuel transfer activities, encourage reports and raise public awareness of prevention.

1 Analysing Hazards of Illegal Fuel Depots and Enhancing Intelligence Collection

FSD officers shared with participants the latest trends and response strategies for illegal fuel transfer operations. They demonstrated how drones are deployed for aerial patrols to identify illegal fuel depots and support law enforcement. A live demonstration was also held to show how to upload videos and photos via the “Oil Strike Report Watch” to report suspected illegal activities of this kind!

2 Inter-departmental Site Visit to Black Spots to Boost Publicity on Reporting Illegal Fuel Depots

FSD led participants to take a site visit at Ming Tak Estate in Tseung Kwan O, where vehicles suspected of being used as illegal filling stations had previously been found. Together with officers from the District Office, Housing Department, Hong Kong Police Force and Customs and Excise Department, FSD distributed leaflets to residents. The team appealed to the public not to patronise illegal filling stations, and taught residents how to identify illegal fuel transfer activities and make reports actively.

Illegal filling stations generally lack compliant fire protection equipment and safety design. In case of fuel leakage, static electricity or an ignition source may trigger fire or even explosion at any time, posing grave threats to the lives of residents and passers-by. The FSD adopts a zero-tolerance stance against such acts that disregard public safety. It is committed to cracking down on all forms of illegal fuel transfer activities and has been working with other government departments and local community groups to disseminate relevant messages.

Community Reporting – Joint Safeguarding of Safety

The FSD reiterates its appeal to the public: do not take part in, assist with or patronise any illegal refuelling activities. If you spot suspicious circumstances such as strong smell of fuel coming from vehicles, suspected oil tanks / fuel containers, fuel dispensers or electric pumps placed roadside, please report immediately:

“Oil Strike” Report Hotline: 5577 9666 (24-hour) “Oil Strike Report Watch” under Fire Hazard Complaint Platform: fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hk (Photos and videos can be uploaded to provide more accurate intelligence)