Thursday, 29 March 2007
Fire Safety Tips for the Qing Ming Festival

With the Qing Ming festival approaching, religious activities like the burning of incense paper and joss sticks are expected to increase. The SCDF and the National Fire Prevention Council would like to remind members of the public to exercise greater caution when making religious offerings through the burning of incense papers as well as the lighting of candles and joss sticks.

Here are some simple tips to help minimise fire occurrences during this period:

• In public housing estates, always burn incense paper in the incense burners or metal containers provided by the Town Councils. Private home owners are also similarly encouraged to use proper incense burners or metal containers for burning incense papers.

• The burners or containers should be placed on sturdy ground and at a safe distance away from neighboring properties or other hazards such as switch rooms or electrical sub-stations, etc.

• After the prayers and offering session, check the area for smouldering incense or embers and make sure that all traces of fires are completely put out before leaving.

• Avoid throwing lighted materials such as candles and matches onto grass patches and fields as these may inadvertently start a fire.

Remember that fire safety is our collective responsibility. Together, we can help reduce fire occurrences!