Diversified activities have been held across the country to mark the 45^th anniversary of all-people fire prevention and fighting day (October 4) and the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the fire prevention and fighting law.

This provides a chance for all sectors, localities, factories and companies to review their fire prevention and fighting work so as to minimise the number of fires and losses caused by fires.

During the past five years of implementing the law, important results have been achieved. The numbers of fires and losses have been controlled. The numbers of fires caused by carelessness and violation of fire regulations has been reduced by 9 percent.

Evaluating the results of implementing the law in the past five years, major general Bui Van Ngan, director of the Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting under the Ministry of Public Security, said fire prevention and fighting has captured great attention from all sectors, establishments and people. Though the number of fires has been control, losses keep increase partially because many factories and establishments have installed modern equipment.

During the past five years, public awareness of fire prevention and fighting has been raised for the sake of socio-economic development in the country. However, the fire situation remains complicated, putting property losses at more than VND300 billion per year.

Only 50 percent of production and business units have set up fire prevention units but public awareness about fire prevention remains low as they still rely on fire brigades. In most cases, late fire announcement leads to big fires.

In order to carry out fire prevention and control effectively, it is imperative to mobilise the strength of the entire people, intensify propaganda activities and disseminate knowledge about fire prevention so that every one knows how to prevent fire in case of emergency.

Raising public awareness of fire prevention and making plans for fire control at the grassroots levels are the most effective solutions for protecting people’s lives and minimising fire-related losses.