Government Conducts Large-Scale Mountain Fire Rescue Drill with 150 Personnel at Lion Rock
Bastillepost · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong government conducted a comprehensive inter-departmental mountain fire and mountain rescue exercise at Lion Rock Country Park on October 9, mobilizing approximately 150 personnel from nine government departments and agencies. The drill simulated 25 hikers caught in a wildfire scenario, serving as preparation for the upcoming Chung Yeung Festival holiday when many residents traditionally visit hillsides and cemeteries. The Fire Services Department deployed approximately 90 firefighters and ambulance personnel, marking the first operational use of large drones capable of dropping water bombs in a rescue context. Multiple innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence-powered fire analysis systems and mobile phone locators, were tested to assess their effectiveness in saving lives and coordinating emergency response.
Key Points
- Nine departments participated: Fire Services, Police Force, Government Flying Service, Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Service, Home Affairs Department, Social Welfare Department, and Hospital Authority
- Exercise simulated 25 hikers encountering mountain fire at Lion Rock Country Park, with Fire Services deploying approximately 90 fire and ambulance personnel
- First-ever deployment of large drones capable of dropping water bombs to combat simulated wildfire spread during the exercise
- Multiple innovative technologies tested including AI fire analysis, mobile phone locators, mountain rescue mobile app, triage system, and visual field analysis technology
- Wong Tai Sin District Council and District Fire Prevention Committee members observed the drill to help promote wildfire prevention messages in the community
Why It Matters
The timing of this exercise just before the Chung Yeung Festival is critical, as the holiday typically sees a significant increase in hillside activities and outdoor fires from incense burning, creating heightened wildfire risk. The successful integration of advanced technologies such as AI analysis and drone operations demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to modernizing emergency response capabilities, potentially reducing response times and improving survivor detection rates in future mountain fire emergencies.
The timing of this exercise just before the Chung Yeung Festival is critical, as the holiday typically sees a significant increase in hillside activities and outdoor fires from incense burning, creating heightened wildfire risk. The successful integration of advanced technologies such as AI analysis and drone operations demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to modernizing emergency response capabilities, potentially reducing response times and improving survivor detection rates in future mountain fire emergencies.