Hong Kong Fire Services Leverages Cutting-Edge Tech in Earthquake Rescue, Eyes UN Certification

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) is embracing advanced technology to bolster its disaster response capabilities, with Deputy Director of Operations Wong Chun-yip expressing confidence in achieving international recognition as a UN-certified medium urban search and rescue (USAR) team. Wong, set to retire after 31 years of service, reflected on the department’s evolution, particularly its role in major earthquake relief efforts, including the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, the 2023 Turkey earthquake, and the 2025 Myanmar earthquake.

In 2008, Wong, then an Assistant Divisional Officer, led Hong Kong’s second batch of special rescue team members to Sichuan’s quake-stricken regions. Communication challenges were significant, with damaged infrastructure forcing reliance on daily vehicle trips to a command center—30 minutes each way—to relay reports and plans back to Hong Kong. Fast forward to 2023 and 2025, the HKFSD’s operations in Turkey and Myanmar showcased dramatic technological advancements. Drones, satellite phones, and seismic detection instruments enabled faster, safer, and more precise rescues. Search-and-rescue dogs further enhanced the team’s ability to cover expansive disaster zones efficiently.

The HKFSD is poised for a pivotal milestone, having applied for certification as an International Medium USAR Team under the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). A UN evaluation team is slated to visit Hong Kong in early 2026 to assess the department’s readiness. If successful, the HKFSD could take on leadership roles, such as incident commander, in international joint command operations. “With our experience, skills, and talent, we are confident in meeting these standards,” Wong said. “All that remains is the UN’s formal registration.”

Certification would grant the HKFSD greater access to UN training programs and meetings, further honing its expertise and global standing. Wong emphasized that this recognition would elevate Hong Kong’s role in international disaster response, enabling the special rescue team to contribute more significantly to global efforts.

Wong’s tenure has seen the HKFSD evolve into a modern, tech-driven force. Reflecting on his leadership during the Sichuan earthquake, where he met then-Vice President Xi Jinping, Wong urged younger officers to approach their work with dedication and heart. His leadership has also driven professional development initiatives, including a new firefighter engineering training program accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in June 2025.

This program allows HKFSD personnel with engineering backgrounds to gain professional membership in the HKIE’s fire discipline after accumulating relevant experience. Three officers have already enrolled, with the department aiming to certify eight members annually. “This initiative strengthens our technical expertise and ensures we remain at the forefront of fire and rescue engineering,” Wong noted.

As Wong prepares to retire, his optimism for the HKFSD’s future is palpable. The department’s adoption of advanced tools and pursuit of global certification underscore its commitment to excellence in saving lives, both locally and abroad. With the UN evaluation looming, Hong Kong’s firefighters are ready to cement their place as a world-class rescue force.