Fire prevention during Tet holiday.

The Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is fast approaching. Markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, warehouses, and production and business establishments are becoming bustling hubs due to the high demand for consumer goods. However, this very hustle and bustle also poses many potential fire safety risks. Therefore, ensuring fire safety has become even more urgent.

Recently, a task force from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Police inspected fire prevention measures at Lotte Mart Nha Trang supermarket (Tay Nha Trang ward). The stalls were found to be fully equipped with portable fire extinguishers; supermarket staff and business owners participate in annual fire fighting and rescue drills. Ms. To Bich Thuy, owner of a soft drink and children's toy stall at the supermarket, shared: “Over the past period, staff have always been reminded to check electrical equipment and arrange goods to ensure escape routes. We understand that we cannot be negligent or complacent, because even a small oversight can lead to major fire and explosion consequences, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), when the supermarket is very crowded with shoppers and visitors.”

Inspecting fire safety measures at Lotte Mart Nha Trang supermarket.

To ensure the safety of the people and business activities during the peak period of the Lunar New Year (Tet) in 2026, from mid-December 2025, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Police organized periodic fire safety inspections for 159 establishments. Through these inspections, the authorities promptly guided and reminded businesses to strictly comply with fire safety regulations; use electricity safely and correctly; arrange goods scientifically ; ensure escape routes, safe distances, and access for fire trucks and personnel in case of an emergency; promptly address shortcomings in fire prevention and control at production and business locations; strictly manage sources of fire, heat, and heat-generating equipment; equip, inspect, and maintain adequate fire prevention and rescue equipment; maintain a standing force; and develop and practice fire fighting, rescue, and relief plans that closely reflect reality. During inspections at households and mixed-use residential and commercial buildings, authorities reminded residents to regularly check their electrical systems, install appropriate protective equipment, avoid overloading the electrical system, and refrain from arbitrarily connecting electrical wires; not to store gasoline, flammable gases, or other explosives indoors; to keep vehicles containing gasoline away from heat sources; to use fire-resistant materials in construction designs; to arrange safe places of worship; to have someone supervise when burning incense or votive paper; to check and turn off electrical appliances and cooking stoves before sleeping or leaving the house; not to block escape routes; and to instruct family members on escape skills and the use of initial fire extinguishing equipment.

Authorities inspect fire prevention and firefighting equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Dang, Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Police, said that from now until the Lunar New Year, the volume of goods produced by businesses and purchased by shoppers at markets and households is expected to increase significantly. Recent statistics show that although the number of fires during the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake 2025 has decreased compared to the same period last year, the risk remains ever-present, especially electrical short circuits and negligence in the use of fire sources. Therefore, in addition to the responsibility of the authorities, each citizen and each family needs to be proactive, cautious, and strictly comply with fire safety regulations, considering it a daily habit. Raising awareness and responsibility in complying with fire safety regulations will contribute to ensuring everyone and every family can celebrate the Lunar New Year safely.

JACKIE CHAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202601/phong-ngua-chay-nodiptet-82d28f2/