Three-region rescue drill tests Hong Kong fast-track channel
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao rescue teams started a five-day joint firefighting training exercise at the Hong Kong Fire and Ambulance Services Academy on August 24. The drill is also being used to test the “Emergency Rescue Green Channel”, a cross-boundary arrangement designed to let rescue forces move quickly into Hong Kong during major emergencies. Mainland and Macao fire and rescue teams entered Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge respectively, before being escorted by police directly to the academy. The Security Bureau said multiple policy bureaux and departments are coordinating to keep the arrangement running smoothly and will continue refining the process
Key Points
- The Security Bureau said on August 24 that the joint exercise would run for five consecutive days at the Hong Kong Fire and Ambulance Services Academy
- The Fire Services Department said the programme includes joint firefighting training and drills, alongside testing the Emergency Rescue Green Channel arrangement
- Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have established the Green Channel so rescue teams can be rapidly deployed across boundaries during major sudden incidents.
- Mainland rescue teams entered through Shenzhen Bay Port, while Macao teams came via the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
- Hong Kong police provided route-opening escorts, while departments including Customs, Immigration and the Department of Health supported smooth clearance arrangements
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the practical value lies in whether outside rescue personnel, vehicles and equipment can clear the boundary quickly enough when a major incident overwhelms local capacity. Rehearsing the full chain, from port entry to police escort and interdepartmental coordination, helps authorities identify bottlenecks before a real emergency occurs.