Pest control ‘smoke bombs’ trigger 14 false alarms

The Fire Services Bureau (CB) yesterday reported its work statistics for the first half of the year, totaling 25,966 emergency calls, including 14 fire alarms mistakenly triggered by the use of pest control “smoke bombs” in the past two months.

Authorities are urging residents to properly use such “smoke bombs” and to notify property management in advance. They also recommend posting notices to avoid confusion.

“These incidents are not new. We’ve previously encountered similar misunderstandings that resulted in forced entry. Typically, when insecticides are used, residents vacate their homes, and the resulting smoke often causes alarm. As a precaution, we break down doors upon receiving reports of suspected fires to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, it is often only afterward that we realize it was a false alarm,” said Lei Long Kit, a senior CB official, during a press conference yesterday.

According to the bureau, total callouts in the first half of the year decreased by 6.1% compared to the same period last year. Of the 406 fire-related calls, 321 were handled without the need for extensive firefighting, accounting for 79.06% of the total.

Lei noted that the majority of emergency calls were related to ambulance services. There were 22,388 ambulance requests, resulting in 23,983 ambulance dispatches.

In total, ambulance calls decreased by 819 compared to the same period last year. Most calls involved serious conditions such as dizziness, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. Lei emphasized that the decline was due to fewer calls for minor health issues, particularly fever and breathing difficulties.

The bureau also highlighted its public fire safety initiatives.

From January to June, the bureau organized 307 outreach activities, distributing over 32,000 informational materials. These included 86 fire safety and first aid lectures attended by nearly 7,000 people, 18 fire extinguishing drills involving about 700 participants, and 55 evacuation and response drills with over 15,000 participants.

Regarding fire safety inspections, the authorities conducted 4,197 building inspections in the first half of the year. Fifty violations were identified, primarily involving improperly parked motorcycles and items obstructing evacuation routes. Eight cases are currently under sanction review for similar violations.

In addition, 3,382 inspections of hazardous materials were conducted to ensure proper storage and handling of fuels and chemicals.

Meanwhile, in response to online claims that green barriers at the Fada Shopping Center in Edifício Pat Tat Sun Chuen delayed emergency medical assistance, the CB replied to an inquiry from the Times, confirming that they received a report last Friday.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly and transported the patient to the hospital without delay. The bureau emphasized that the transfer process was carried out smoothly.

However, the bureau noted that the location falls under private jurisdiction and involves questions of authority, which require a response from the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU).