Hong Kong holds large-scale cross-department wildfire and mountain rescue drill
About 150 personnel from multiple Hong Kong government departments took part in a cross-departmental wildfire and mountain rescue exercise near Lion Rock Country Park. The drill simulated 25 hikers trapped by a wildfire, with the Fire Services Department deploying drones and AI tools for the first t
About 150 personnel from multiple Hong Kong government departments took part in a cross-departmental wildfire and mountain rescue exercise near Lion Rock Country Park on Friday, simulating a scenario in which 25 hikers were caught in a wildfire.
The Fire Services Department deployed about 90 fire and ambulance personnel in the drill. For the first time, a large drone was used to drop water bombs, part of preparations for the upcoming Chung Yeung Festival period, when many residents visit rural areas for ancestral worship.
Several innovative technologies were also tested, including a mass casualty triage system, a mountain rescue mobile application, mountain rescue visual analysis technology, and mobile phone locators. Artificial intelligence was used to analyse the wildfire situation, helping to determine the location of people awaiting rescue and improve the efficiency of search and rescue operations.
The department reminded the public that dry weather in recent days could cause fires to spread quickly and fiercely if they broke out. It urged residents not to leave behind any fire sources when carrying out grave-sweeping or hiking activities, and to evacuate quickly to a safe location if a fire breaks out.
