I am honored to have been appointed as the Chairman of the Kowloon City District Fire Safety Committee 2024-2026, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to share our fire safety education initiatives within the Kowloon City district via the Fire Services Department Community Collaboration Network.  Kowloon City is a vibrant and historic district, ranging from bustling commercial and industrial areas to residential areas, featuring older single private residential buildings alongside newly constructed large-scale estates and low-density garden houses. This diversity, along with a large population and different types of buildings, creates fire safety challenges, particularly given the ongoing urban renewal projects and the mix of old and new buildings.

The Kowloon City District Fire Safety Committee focuses on four main areas:

a.     To enhance community involvement in promoting fire safety and building safety problems;

b.     To strengthen public education and publicity in areas of fire prevention and building safety;

c.     To organise publicity activities in conjunction with District Council and other local bodies; and;

d.     To promote and assist in organizing fire drills in cooperation with owners’corporations and owners of the buildings.

In 2024, we have organized several important educational activities to share fire safety information with residents:

1.     Kowloon City District Fire Safety Fun Day 2024: This event took place on 10th November 2024, at the To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground Football Field. The event offered a comprehensive program of activities, including fire services equipment exhibition and demonstrations, interactive game booths, and stage performances. Fire safety leaflets and souvenirs were also distributed, fostering a positive and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.

2.     Fire Safety Education Program: The Committee would produce wall calendars featuring fire safety slogans and essential information. These calendars would be disseminated to senior residents and residents of "three-nil" buildings via local elderly service centers and designated resident liaison ambassadors.

3.     Community Emergency Preparedness Scheme Training Course: This training course aims to enhance residents' capacity to respond effectively to emergency situations. Participants will acquire practical fire safety knowledge, promoting self-reliance and improving safety within the community.

In the future, the Committee remains committed to actively promoting fire safety education and strengthening collaborative partnerships with the District Council, other relevant government departments, community organizations, and building management entities.  Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to cultivate a strong sense of community responsibility and ensure the effective communication of fire safety messages to all segments of the community.

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's work together to make Kowloon City a safer and better place.