Follow-up on fire on artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau
A fire broke out at the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I.PARK1) located on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau at 12.40pm today (October 26). In the incident, a staff felt unwell and was sent to the hospital. All construction workers and operational staff were evacuated smoothly. I.PARK1 has temporarily suspended waste reception.
Preliminary information indicated that the fire originated at the roof of the main incinerator building's third incineration module area. After the fire broke out, the contractor of the facility took immediate actions according to its emergency response protocol, including reporting to the Fire Services Department (FSD), deploying trained designated response members to control the fire, evacuating about 970 construction workers and operational staff working on the island in an orderly manner, and suspending the operation of all critical systems of the facility.
The fire was largely put out at about 4.45pm by firefighters on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has instructed the contractor to submit a report on the fire incident within seven days and will work with the FSD to investigate the cause of fire. The EPD will also evaluate the damage and urge the contractor to conduct repairs as soon as possible.
The EPD is reviewing the impact of the fire on the facility's operation and will maintain close communication with the industry on the operational arrangements. Meanwhile, the EPD has arranged to extend the operating hours of the Department's West New Territories Landfill Extension to maintain the normal operation of the city's overall waste management system.
Source: AI-found images
AFCD requires dog keepers to properly control dogs in accordance with the law
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) this morning (October 26) received a referral from the Police of a suspected dog bite case. Officers were immediately deployed to a warehouse on Kam Pok Road, Yuen Long, where the suspected dog was taken away and sent to an Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. The dog concerned is a microchipped mongrel with a valid dog licence. The AFCD is following up the investigation and will institute prosecution if there is sufficient evidence that any person has contravened the law.
Legal requirements
An AFCD spokesman reminded members of the public, "The law clearly requires dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places. If a dog bites a person, its keeper is also liable. A keeper is not limited to a person who owns, possesses or has custody of the animal, but also includes a person who harbours the animal, or the occupier of land or premises on which the animal is usually kept or permitted to remain. These persons must clearly understand their legal responsibilities."
Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. If a dog bites a person as a result of such contravention, the keeper may also be liable to a further fine of up to $10,000. In addition, section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D) stipulates that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Contravention of this requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.
AFCD's enforcement actions
In a high-density urban environment, uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety. To safeguard community safety, the AFCD has been conducting special inspections and enforcement operations on the proper control of dogs at various locations across Hong Kong since August. A new phase of special operations was launched on October 8. In the coming four months, priority will be given to high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and congregations of stray dogs have occurred, with a view to strengthening the capturing of unattended dogs. These operations have so far captured a total of 10 unattended dogs. The AFCD will pursue the responsibilities of the keepers concerned and institute prosecutions based on the evidence obtained.
Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).
Source: AI-found images
