'Prevention is better than cure'

As we enter the dry season, the prolonged hot weather poses a risk of fire and explosions. Fire and explosion prevention and control efforts need to be prioritized, from awareness to action, in order to protect the lives and property of citizens and businesses.

Proactive measures to prevent and control forest fires during the dry season.

During the dry season, the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve strengthens the implementation of a comprehensive range of solutions to minimize the risk of forest fires, contributing to the protection of forest resources and the ecological environment.

According to Nguyen Cong Toai, Deputy Director of the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve: “Identifying forest fire prevention and control as a key task, from the beginning of the year, the unit proactively strengthened the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Management Board and developed specific plans and strategies suitable to the actual situation. The Reserve currently has a total area of ​​1,971 hectares, of which more than 1,153 hectares are melaleuca forest, posing a high risk of fire during the dry season.”

Forest protection forces have intensified patrols and inspections in key areas.

In addition, the organizing unit signed commitments with households living around the area to cooperate with relevant authorities in forest protection. Public awareness campaigns were intensified, helping people improve their understanding and strictly comply with regulations on forest fire prevention and control.

Mr. Doan Thanh Son (residing in Ca No hamlet, Tan Hung commune) said: “Through awareness campaigns, many households have changed their perceptions and no longer engage in activities that easily cause fires, such as burning beehives to collect honey or burning straw without control. When they spot strangers entering the forest area, people promptly report it to the authorities.”

During the peak of the dry season, forest protection forces are assigned to be on duty 24/7, intensifying patrols and inspections in key areas, especially those easily accessible to locals. This allows for the timely detection and prevention of activities such as entering the forest to collect honey or using fire for fishing – potential causes of forest fires.

In parallel, the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve is fully equipped with firefighting equipment such as pumps, water supply systems, motorboats, fire watch posts and towers. The equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure readiness in case of an emergency.

However, in reality, some people, due to the need to earn a living and a lack of awareness, still secretly encroach on forests, posing a high risk of fire. This is a major challenge in current forest protection efforts.

Thanks to the proactive and decisive efforts of the management unit and the cooperation of the people, the fire prevention and control work in the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve is being implemented, contributing to protecting the "green lung" and preserving a sustainable ecological environment.

Be careful of fires and explosions.

In recent years, the model of combining residential and commercial use has developed strongly in residential areas. While providing a stable source of income for residents, this type of business also poses many fire and explosion risks if not strictly managed. In reality, most establishments have small, cramped spaces with densely packed goods, while electrical systems, although often renovated or upgraded, do not guarantee safety. Some households even utilize emergency exits as storage areas, hindering evacuation in case of an emergency. Recently, authorities have intensified inspections, reminders, and guidance for businesses to implement safety measures such as installing fire alarms, ensuring clear emergency exits, avoiding storing flammable goods near heat sources, and regularly checking electrical systems. Mr. Nguyen Son Loc, owner of a grocery and ready-made clothing store combined with a house in Loc Trieu, said: “Initially, I only thought about selling small quantities of goods, so I didn't pay much attention to fire prevention and control. After receiving guidance from the authorities during inspections, my family proactively equipped ourselves with fire extinguishers, rearranged the goods neatly, and regularly checked the electrical system.”

Loc Trieu business establishment arranges goods neatly.

In Khanh Hung commune, no fires or explosions occurred between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. To achieve this result, the local authorities intensified their public awareness campaigns through various methods such as broadcasting on loudspeakers, posting on social media, and organizing mobile vehicles to disseminate information in high-risk residential areas.

In particular, the fire safety neighborhood group model implemented in markets and residential areas has proven highly effective. Participating households not only gain basic knowledge but also proactively coordinate and support each other in emergency situations.

Despite the achievements, fire prevention and control efforts still face certain difficulties, especially the complacency of some people. Meanwhile, along with socio-economic development, business types are becoming increasingly diverse, potentially creating many fire and explosion hazards.

According to Chairman of the People's Committee of Tran Van Bang commune, in the coming time, the locality will strengthen state management of fire prevention and control, consolidate local forces, and promote propaganda and mobilization of people to strictly comply with fire prevention and control regulations. This will contribute to raising awareness of self-prevention, minimizing damage caused by fires and explosions, and ensuring safety for the community.

Commercial establishments combining residential and commercial use must be equipped with fire prevention and firefighting equipment.

Safety for sustainable development

For businesses, especially manufacturing businesses, the risk of fire and explosion is always high due to the use of many flammable machines and materials, and high-power electrical systems. Once an incident occurs, it not only causes significant property damage but also affects production and the lives of hundreds or thousands of workers.

Every year, Victory Company (Binh Hiep commune) organizes two fire prevention and firefighting drills to improve the emergency response skills of its employees.

Recognizing this importance, many businesses are proactively implementing solutions to improve the effectiveness of fire prevention and control. This includes investing in modern equipment systems, organizing regular training and drills for workers, and developing response plans in case of incidents.

Huynh Anh Tuan, Assistant Director of Victory Company (Binh Hiep commune), shared: “We consider fire prevention and control as our top priority. Every year, the company cooperates with functional forces to organize drills, and regularly inspects the fire prevention and control system to ensure effective operation when needed.”

Victory Company specializes in the production of leather shoes and employs 1,300-1,400 workers. Currently, fire prevention and control is a top priority for the company. They have established an on-site fire fighting force of 48 members, who have received thorough training. Annually, the company conducts two drills to improve the emergency response skills of its employees.

In addition, the company's fire protection system is quite comprehensive, including 1 fire pump station, 2 fire pumps, 150 fire cabinets (each equipped with 30m of hose), and more than 300 fire extinguishers of various types. Equipment inspection and maintenance are also carried out regularly, ensuring readiness to respond in case of an incident.

Victory Company is equipped with a fire prevention and firefighting system.

Besides businesses that comply well, there are still some that do not strictly adhere to fire safety regulations, such as not having adequate equipment, not having developed fire fighting plans, or having plans that are merely формаl and not practical. In light of this situation, authorities are intensifying inspections and checks, resolutely handling violations, and guiding businesses to rectify shortcomings and improve their fire safety capabilities.

In reality, most fires and explosions stem from negligence and carelessness in daily life and production. Therefore, in addition to the involvement of relevant authorities, the awareness of each citizen and each business plays a decisive role. Fire and explosion prevention is not the responsibility of any one individual, but a shared responsibility of the entire society.

Van Dat

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/phong-hoa-hon-cuu-hoa-142981.html