Proposal to study the option of 'using water from apartment residents to fight fires'

A National Assembly representative proposed that current apartment buildings should be equipped with a water hydrant or a system of hoses, pipes, and spray nozzles to handle fire emergencies.

On November 1st, the National Assembly discussed in the plenary session several contentious issues in the draft Law on Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue. Citing recent incidents involving numerous fires related to electrical short circuits and welding, particularly in karaoke bars and nightclubs, Representative Nguyen Lam Thanh (from Thai Nguyen province) suggested that these issues should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure effective fire prevention and control.

Mr. Nguyen Lam Thanh giving a speech (Photo: Quang Vinh)

According to Mr. Thanh, fires currently occur frequently in houses located in narrow alleys and high-rise apartment buildings, making it difficult to access them with current firefighting equipment. Therefore, more thorough research is needed on firefighting water sources, as we currently only access a single source of water from ponds, rivers, and lakes for firefighting. Meanwhile, we haven't yet accessed water from individual households to address firefighting needs in a flexible and timely manner.

Mr. Thanh suggested that current apartment buildings should be equipped with a water hydrant or a system of hoses, pipes, and sprayers to handle fire emergencies. At the same time, it is necessary to utilize existing water sources from households and install additional backup hoses and sprayers for timely response.

Ms. Vu Hong Luyen giving a speech (Photo: Quang Vinh)

Representative Vu Hong Luyen ( Hung Yen delegation) also expressed concern and suggested adding fire safety measures for high-rise apartment buildings because many high-rise buildings have been in use for a long time, their infrastructure is deteriorating, and fires and explosions are more likely to occur.

According to Ms. Luyen, high-rise apartment buildings are densely populated areas with a high risk of fire and explosion. Many high-rise buildings were constructed a long time ago, and during use, damage or repairs to technical systems have occurred, leading to inadequate fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and emergency response. Therefore, regulations are needed regarding access roads to high-rise apartment buildings to ensure that specialized fire trucks and rescue vehicles can reach them in the event of a fire or explosion, in order to minimize damage to people and property.

Ms. Luyen assessed that escape skills are a fundamental and particularly important skill for people in any fire incident. Therefore, in order to protect oneself, those around them, reduce casualties, and improve coordination with rescue forces in the event of a fire or explosion, the drafting agency should research and add more detailed and specific regulations on escape skills.

Accordingly, the responsibilities of those trained in fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and emergency response should be added to the regular training and practice at the grassroots level, hamlets, villages, residential areas, and households. "This aims to ensure that escape skills are not just about theoretical knowledge and skills, but become a natural reflex for every citizen when any fire or explosion, big or small, occurs," Ms. Luyen said.

Meanwhile, Delegate Nguyen Van Manh ( Vinh Phuc Delegation) suggested adding a provision stipulating that the People's Committee at the commune level is responsible for providing information on the list of agencies and organizations belonging to the fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue forces, and the police agencies in the commune, along with hotlines and contact addresses, so that people know and can choose the nearest place to report fires, seek rescue, or emergency assistance when necessary.

Representative Tran Dinh Chung (Da Nang Delegation) raised the issue that construction projects must ensure fire safety during the construction process, but the draft does not specify the responsibilities of the relevant parties. Therefore, it is necessary to add the responsibilities of fire safety for the relevant parties during construction, including: the facility owner, individuals, construction units, supervision consultants, and design reviewers.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/de-nghi-nghien-cuu-phuong-an-dung-nuoc-cua-nguoi-dan-o-chung-cu-de-chua-chay-10293574.html