Robots, Drones, and Unmanned Vessels Join Forces—Hong Kong Fire Department Uses Technology to Protect Public Safety

China News Service, Hong Kong, March 17 — (Reporter Liu Yueqing) “We have introduced fire extinguishing robots, patrol drones, and fire-fighting unmanned boats to enhance fire safety through technology.” On the eve of this year’s “National Security Education Day for All,” Yang Enjian, Director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, shared details in an interview with China News Service and other media outlets.

Recently, Yang Enjian, Director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, was interviewed by China News Service and other media. Photo by Hou Yu, China News Service

Yang Enjian pointed out that the Fire Services Department recently deployed a fire-fighting robot developed by mainland China. “It is only one-third the size of previous models, can climb stairs, suitable for various indoor and outdoor scenarios, and is equipped with a spray system that can cool itself during operation.”

In addition, fixed-route drones have been used in wildfire prevention and control. Small drones equipped with thermal imaging and AI recognition technology can automatically perform patrols. Once a wildfire is detected, they immediately notify the command center. Yang Enjian revealed that this year, the technology will be expanded to cover Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. When a drone detects a fire, it can direct unmanned boats to spray water near the burning vessel.

April 15 this year marks the 11th “National Security Education Day for All.” Yang Enjian also introduced measures taken by the Fire Services Department to maintain safety through hazardous materials management. He mentioned that the department conducts over 1,300 law enforcement inspections annually at chemical raw material companies and hardware stores, and at least two surprise inspections of hazardous materials warehouses at various universities; trains Hong Kong citizens to respond to hazardous materials incidents, teaching risk identification, evacuation, avoiding secondary infections, and decontamination procedures.

Recently, Yang Enjian, Director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, was interviewed by China News Service and other media. Photo by Hou Yu, China News Service

When asked about actively aligning with the national “14th Five-Year Plan,” Yang Enjian said the Fire Services Department will fully cooperate to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis. They have established a coordination and supervision committee, participating throughout the process from planning and development to building completion, developing emergency plans, conducting fire drills, assessing fire risks, and inspecting fire safety facilities to ensure the safe development of the Northern Metropolis and the innovation industry.

Regarding collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Yang Enjian said that the Fire Services Department has signed agreements with the Guangdong Fire Rescue Corps and the Macao Fire Services Bureau to conduct disaster prevention drills, share experiences, and achieve mutual complementarity. They hope to jointly improve the overall emergency preparedness of the Greater Bay Area and safeguard social and national security.

Yang Enjian believes that national security and global security are interconnected. He told reporters that the Hong Kong Rescue Team has previously applied for international medium-sized rescue team certification from the UN International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), and will undergo relevant assessments soon. “We look forward to engaging in more international humanitarian rescue efforts to demonstrate the country’s overseas rescue capabilities and the concept of a shared human destiny.” (End)