HCMC – Between October 2022 and September 2023, there were 1,900 fires happening in the country, leaving 142 people dead. This represents an 11% increase in the number of fire incidents and a 30% rise in the death toll compared to the same period last year.
These figures were provided in a recent government report on the enforcement of policies related to fire prevention and fighting during this period.
The report highlighted that most of these fires occurred in residential areas, causing property damage estimated at VND315 billion. Among these incidents, 61 were severe fires, leading to 142 fatalities and 63 injuries.
Fires that took place in ground houses and residential housing combined with business locations were the most complex, accounting for 814 incidents, or 42% of the total. Electrical devices, fire sources, and heat sources were identified as the primary causes of these fires.
The increase in unauthorized or illegal construction in large cities, where there is already a high density of buildings, along with residents converting individual houses into mini-apartments without proper permits, has presented significant challenges for authorities and increased potential risks for residents, according to the report.
Currently, the Ministry of Public Security has instructed local police forces to collaborate with relevant units to inspect fire prevention measures in apartments, houses with rooms for lease, and residential houses with business activities.
The Government has also called upon the Ministry of Construction to work with the Ministry of Public Security to study fire and explosion prevention measures and develop solutions for addressing issues related to these types of houses.
The Ministry of Construction is tasked with issuing technical guidelines to remove obstacles to fire prevention in other facilities and construction projects.
On September 12, a major fire occurred at a mini-apartment building located on Khuong Ha Street, Khuong Dinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City, resulting in 56 deaths and 37 injuries. This was the most severe fire incident in 21 years.
