The Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide joint operation codenamed "Fire Thunder" from September 27 to 29. Fifteen illegal fuel filling stations were smashed and a total of about 75 000 litres of diesel with an estimated market value of over $1.5 million was seized.

     During the operation, eight oil tank wagons, six light goods vehicles with diesel on board, and a large quantity of fuelling tools were found by FSD personnel. Sixteen men and three women aged 29 to 72 years old suspected to be connected with the cases were intercepted. Moreover, FSD personnel found six dangerous goods vehicles that failed to comply with licencing conditions of the Dangerous Goods Vehicle Licence during inspections at multiple illegal fuel filling station black spots. The suspects will later be charged with suspected offences under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation.

     To protect public safety, the FSD will suspend the licences of the dangerous goods vehicles involved. Upon conviction, the FSD will revoke the licences and prohibit the vehicles from any further conveyance of dangerous goods. The FSD has already seized all the diesel involved, and will later apply for forfeiture orders from the court.

     The FSD has all along been committed to combating all kinds of illicit fuelling activities. The FSD called on citizens not to patronise illegal fuel filling stations. As these illegal fuel filling stations lack the proper fire safety installations and equipment used for fuel filling stations, the consequences could be catastrophic in the event of a fire. 

     Members of the public are urged to report suspected illegal fuel filling stations to the FSD by calling the 24-hour hotline 2723 8787.

Ends/Thursday, September 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:05

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