Fire Services Department raids illicit fuel station in car park

The Fire Services Department on Tuesday seized 305 litres of illicit oil in a Wong Tai Sin multi-storey car park, involving an estimated market value of 10,500 dollars.

In the operation, the FSD intercepted a man at Fung Tak Shopping Centre's car park. An oil tank is placed in the trunk of the white van while a tube is connected to a nozzle and oil gauge in the backseat. The man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the Fire Services Regulation, Dangerous Goods Ordinance and Dangerous Goods Regulation.

The car park is situated in a residential area, close to Fung Tak Estate and Lung Poon Court. Some residents are concerned about their safety after hearing an illicit petrol station was raided in their neighbourhood.

As of July, the FSD recorded an average of about 1,000 public reports on illegal petrol station operation, a yearly increase of 80%. A senior FSD officer says that illicit fuelling can lead to grave consequences if accidents happen, including an emission of toxic gas and smoke.

Speaking of prevention methods, the FSD proposes amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance by raising the maximum penalty for illicit fuel sellers to a jail sentence of three years and a fine of three million dollars. For buyers, authorities suggest a penalty of one million dollars and a year behind bars.