57 people killed in fires nationwide in first half of 2024
VOV.VN - As many as 2,222 fires occurred in Vietnam in the first half of the year, killing 57 people, injuring 45 others, and resulting in a loss of more than VND127.9 billion, according to the Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue.
The fires also destroyed 529 ha of forests nationwide in the reviewed period, said the department.
Compared to the same period last year the numbers of fires and fire-related deaths increased by 361 and 14, respectively. The number of injuries remained unchanged whilst property damage dropped by around VND71.9 billion.
Among the cases, up to 60.4% of the total number of fires took place in urban areas, specifically in private enterprises, houses used as both accommodation and businesses, and production facilities.
As many as 72.9% of the fires were caused by an electrical short circuit. Other causes were negligence in using fire sources and heat sources, as well as the welding and cutting of metals.
Despite efforts, the department said the prevention and control of fire reveals shortcomings.
Fires and explosions occur mainly in homes and other crowded places such as industrial zones, residential zones, bars, and karaoke shops.
Notably, that fact that private houses and apartments are located in small, narrow lanes hampers fire control and rescue work when a fire occurs.
In addition to owners’ lack of knowledge of fire-safety measures, many houses and mini-apartments are not adequately designed with fire escapes or equipped with fire prevention tools.
To improve fire prevention and firefighting, the Hanoi Police Department has also deployed both immediate and long-term measures aimed at halting fires at rental facilities and other establishments under fire safety regulations.
Inspection teams have fanned out to nearly 37,000 rental facilities throughout the city to raise their awareness of fire prevention and control measures and to handle violations of regulations.
