19% rise on fire service dispatches recorded in Q1

The Fire Services Bureau (CB) released data yesterday on the first quarter of this year. According to the data, 222 dispatches for fire cases were recorded, a 19% rise year-on-year.
In the same quarter, ambulance services have been dispatched nearly 9,100 times, with slightly more than 9,200 counts of vehicle dispatch. However, when compared with the same quarter last year, there were 106 fewer cases, or a drop of about 1%. As for the counts of dispatch, there was also a drop in number of about 1% as well.
The main reasons for an increased number of fire cases were irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts, as well as burning rubbish and paper offerings. They accounted for 25 of the risen number.
Meanwhile, forgetting to turn off the stove, leaving open fire unattended and machinery malfunction contributed to the main causes of fire overall. A total of 113 such cases, which accounted to about 51% of all fire cases, have been recorded.
Discussing the drops in ambulance dispatch, the CB reiterated that residents should take the service seriously and use it only in necessary and emergency situations. Resources should be saved for the needy. Moreover, giving way on the road to ambulances is encouraged. AL