|
The fire at Bien Electronics Shopping Center (Long Khanh ward, Dong Nai province) on January 22nd resulted in two fatalities. Photo: Dang Tung |
Especially as we enter the beginning of the current dry season, identifying fire risks is a critical requirement to ensure safety.
The fear of fire.
In 2025, Dong Nai experienced 78 fires, resulting in 2 deaths, 9 injuries, and property damage exceeding 79 billion VND. Compared to 2024, the number of fires decreased by 8, and the damage decreased by nearly 300 billion VND, demonstrating the initial effectiveness of preventive measures. However, these figures also reflect the reality that the risk of fire remains, especially in densely populated residential areas and production and business establishments interspersed within residential areas.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Danh Huong, Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Dong Nai Provincial Police, said: The main cause of fires still stems from unsafe use of electricity. Deteriorated wiring systems, overloaded sockets, and old electrical equipment that is not regularly inspected are factors that easily lead to short circuits and fires. In addition, daily habits such as burning incense, burning votive paper, and cooking with gas or electric stoves in confined spaces further increase the risk, especially during prolonged dry seasons.
In reality, there have been incidents with serious consequences. Most recently, on the morning of January 22nd, the Bien Electronics Shopping Center (Long Khanh ward, Dong Nai province) suddenly caught fire. Due to the presence of many flammable goods inside, the fire spread rapidly, and thick black smoke rose high, trapping a mother and child inside who were unable to escape and perished.
Earlier, on the evening of January 11th, a laundry shop on Nguyen Ai Quoc Street (Tam Hiep Ward, Dong Nai Province) also caught fire. The flames spread to neighboring establishments, threatening many surrounding households. Fortunately, authorities arrived in time and safely rescued a man trapped on the roof. These incidents, though different in nature, all highlight the common point: the risk of fire is always present if even a small oversight occurs.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong (residing in Trang Dai ward, Dong Nai province) expressed: "During the period leading up to the Lunar New Year, my family often uses many electrical appliances at the same time. With many children and grandchildren in the house, cooking and daily activities take a long time, making me constantly worried about the risk of electrical short circuits, especially at night when everyone is fast asleep."
Working together to control fire risks.
In response to the aforementioned risks, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Dong Nai Province has been implementing a comprehensive set of solutions, with prevention as the primary focus. Fire safety inspection and acceptance procedures are being tightened from the design and construction stages of projects to minimize the risk of incidents from the outset.
Simultaneously, inspections of facilities with high fire and explosion risks, such as markets, high-rise buildings, industrial zones, and entertainment venues, are carried out regularly and continuously. Facilities that do not meet safety standards are resolutely suspended from operation and required to make thorough repairs before resuming business.
Along with professional forces, Dong Nai province focuses on strengthening local fire prevention forces. More than 1,700 fire fighting teams have been established in villages and residential areas according to new regulations, helping to promote the principle of rapid response at the grassroots level. When each residential area has a core force, the ability to control fires in the initial stages will be significantly improved.
In addition, coordination between the police force and the electricity sector in reviewing and handling unsafe electrical connections is being strengthened. Firefighting and rescue drills are being conducted in densely populated residential areas, closely simulating real-world conditions, thereby helping residents better visualize potential scenarios.
Specifically, on the morning of January 29th, Colonel Tran Anh Son, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Police, personally inspected and provided guidance on fire safety at residential buildings combined with production and business activities in Tran Bien ward. The focus was on documentation, equipment, fire extinguishing systems, escape routes, and electrical safety. Through the inspection, most households demonstrated an understanding of the importance of fire prevention and control.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Hoa (residing in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province) suggested: The propaganda work should be reformed to be more practical. Instead of just disseminating regulations, functional forces should focus on guiding people on how to use electricity safely, arrange reasonable escape routes, and handle fire emergencies. In particular, activities should be implemented to allow people to directly practice escape scenarios and use initial firefighting equipment.
Clearly, the purpose of "identifying" fire risks during Tet (Lunar New Year) is not to create anxiety, but to help each citizen better understand their responsibilities. When the government, functional forces, and people work together, fire risks will be controlled more effectively, leading to a safe spring for every family.
On the morning of January 28th, Colonel Tran Anh Son, Deputy Director of the Provincial Police, chaired a meeting with the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department to review the fire on January 22nd at the Bien Electronics Shopping Center (Long Khanh Ward). The meeting emphasized the need for thorough lessons learned, the implementation of effective firefighting measures, prioritizing the rescue of people and property, preventing large-scale fires and their spread, and strengthening inspections of establishments throughout the province.
Dang Tung
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202602/iem-danh-cac-nguy-co-chay-10303a5/
Comment (0)