57 people killed in fires in first six months

A fire at a 2,000 sq.m factory in Bình Dương Province last week. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Fires killed 57 people and injured 45 others in the first six months of this year, according to the Police Department of Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue.

The country report 2,222 fires during this period with the property losses incurring to VNĐ127.9 billion.

The department also reported 125 forest fires in the first half with 529 ha destroyed.

Compared to the same period in 2023, the number of fires and deaths both increased while the property losses declined.

Most of the fires (1,343) were reported in urban areas, accounting got 60.4 per cent.

Residential area fires were the most common type with 823 incidents. Other blazes were reported at business and production facilities and warehouses.

Of the 2,222 fires, up to 1,299 were investigated with the main causes identified as electric failures and careless use of heat sources.

According to the police, most of the fires were reported at industrial parks, households, houses combined with production and business and establishments with crowded people (mini apartments, boarding houses). A number of fires caused serious human damage.

Leaders of local authorities have not taken full responsibility for fire prevention and control work. At some places, local authorities have loosened management, leading to violations.

There are many constructions built without permission or do not meet fire safety requirements. Many constructions have changed the housing purposes from residence to business or combined both purposes without complying with regulations on fire safety and prevention, said the police.

Many projects are too old and cannot be renovated or repaired. Others have been arranged to be relocated, but people have not complied.

In the second half of the year, the police will step up investigation and stiffen punishments on establishments who fail to follow fire safety regulations.

The police plan to apply two models of fire safety task force and firefighting at public locations to promote fire prevention and control work in the community. — VNS