The Fire Services Department in Hong Kong is set to introduce three new artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted drone technologies to enhance fire detection and response efforts amid increased risks during the upcoming Chung Yeung Festival. The festival, which begins tomorrow, has historically been associated with a spike in hill fires, prompting authorities to boost precautionary measures.
Wong Tak-fai, acting divisional officer for information and communications technology, explained that these AI-powered systems will improve both the speed and accuracy of fire detection. He highlighted that AI enables continuous analysis of large volumes of images from multiple drones operating across different locations, allowing staff to quickly identify incidents requiring urgent attention.
In preparation for the festival, the department plans to increase manpower focused on monitoring high-risk areas. This includes intensified patrols across districts and enhanced public education campaigns conducted jointly with the Civil Aid Service and other community organizations.
The operational plan calls for the deployment of 159 firefighters today across 28 locations, including 12 sites in New Territories North, 10 in Kowloon, and six in New Territories South. An additional 166 firefighters will be mobilized tomorrow to maintain heightened vigilance.
Hong Kong recorded 693 hill fire incidents in 2025, underscoring the importance of proactive fire prevention efforts during periods of increased outdoor activity. To support these operations, the department will deploy a recently acquired remotely operated aerial surveillance system. This system, costing HK$1.2 million, consists of an off-road vehicle manufactured by mainland China automaker Geely, retrofitted with two drone docking stations and a generator.
The drones in this system are capable of automated patrols within a three-kilometer radius and can be controlled remotely, allowing officers to monitor areas that are difficult to access on foot. In addition, a real-time AI video analysis platform will be employed to expedite the processing of drone footage and images, enabling the prompt generation of alerts related to fire hazards or potential drowning incidents.
These technological advancements are expected to enhance the Fire Services Department’s capacity to manage risks and provide timely responses during the traditionally fire-prone festival period.