Hong Kong Fire Services Department

Hong Kong emergency services agency The Hong Kong Fire Services Department is an emergency service responsible for firefighting and rescue on land and sea. It also provides an emergency ambulance service for the sick and the injured and gives fire protection advice to the public. It is under the Secretary for Security who heads the Security Bureau. History Flag of Fire Services Department before 1997. Note the use of the British Crown Badge of Fire Services Department before 1997 The history of the Hong Kong Fire Service began in the Government Gazette dated 9 May 1868. Charles May became the first Superintendent of the Fire Brigade. At the time, the Fire Department was part of the Hong Kong Police Force. It had a total strength of 62 with a supplement of 100 Chinese volunteers. The fire department expanded to 140 members during the 1920s. During the Japanese Occupation during World War II, the service was disbanded. Its two fire engines were exported to Tokyo to become part of the Imperial Palace Fire Unit, and were returned after the war. Hong Kong's ambulance service is part of the Fire Department. Previously, emergency ambulance service was provided by the Fire Service while no