Nha Trang: Many fire hydrants are not working

According to statistics from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Force (PCCC-CNCH), Nha Trang City has 620 fire hydrants, a number that shows the locality's efforts to invest in fire prevention and fighting infrastructure. However, 29 fire hydrants were removed during urban renovation or damaged, but have not been reinstalled; 44 hydrants cannot be used because there is no water due to the interrupted water supply system, the hydrants are rusted and cannot operate. In total, there are 73 fire hydrants that are not working. In addition, densely populated areas such as Vinh Phuoc ward, or outlying communes mostly do not have a fire hydrant system.

A fire hydrant in Nha Trang city.

According to the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Force, many water hydrants have existed for decades but have not been inspected or maintained periodically, leading to damage, rust or unusability; the fire prevention and fighting infrastructure has not kept up with the urbanization rate in Nha Trang City. Notably, some people have accidentally or intentionally turned water hydrants into parking lots and garbage collection points. The lack of water hydrants will lead to delays in accessing water sources for fire fighting when an incident occurs. The fire at a hotel in Nha Trang City in 2023, forcing the fire prevention and fighting force to get water from the Cai River, is proof of the inadequacy when the nearby water hydrant is not working.

In addition, access to natural water sources (sea, rivers) and swimming pools in the city is facing many obstacles. Specifically, the process of taking water from rivers and seas requires fire trucks and specialized pumps, which takes precious time in times of emergency; swimming pools need a clear cooperation mechanism to ensure readiness for fire prevention and fighting, but currently there is still a lack of specific procedures.

According to the leader of the Nha Trang Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Team, to overcome the above situation, it is necessary to immediately add 29 water hydrants that have been removed; repair and replace 44 hydrants that are not guaranteed. Accordingly, the city government needs to make a list of priority investments and closely monitor the progress of implementation. At the same time, it is necessary to add fire hydrants in new urban areas, ensuring water pressure meets standards through coordination with water supply units. Data from the Nha Trang Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Team shows that for each square kilometer of urban area, at least 4-6 fire hydrants that are in good working order are needed; establish a coordination process with facilities that have swimming pools and create a map for quick access to natural water sources in emergencies; strengthen communication, emphasizing that protecting hydrants is protecting the community itself; apply administrative sanctions in the field of fire prevention and rescue for acts of vandalism and encroachment on fire hydrants. At the same time, applying technology, digitizing maps of fire hydrants and natural water sources, integrating into the fire prevention and fighting management system, helping firefighters locate quickly.

JACKIE CHAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202504/nha-trang-nhieu-tru-nuoc-chua-chaykhong-hoat-dong-2935f95/