Prime Minister: Building a culture of fire prevention, fighting, natural disaster prevention, improving rescue skills among the people

On the morning of August 14, in Ho Chi Minh City, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the Dialogue Forum with businesses on fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, security, safety and digital transformation to serve the country's socio-economic development and the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition "On fire prevention, firefighting, rescue techniques and equipment and security, safety and protection equipment" in 2025.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends a dialogue forum with businesses on fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, security, safety and digital transformation to serve the country's socio -economic development - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Attending the event organized by the Ministry of Public Security were leaders of ministries, central and local agencies, representatives of countries, international organizations, business associations, and domestic and foreign enterprises.

Reduce from 37 administrative procedures on fire prevention and fighting to 9 procedures

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen said that the forum was held for the first time to contribute to the implementation of Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, the Government's action program to implement Resolution 57; and practically celebrate major holidays.

According to the Deputy Minister, in recent years, with the attention and direction of the leaders of the Party, the State, ministries, branches and localities, the work of fire prevention, fire fighting, rescue, security and safety has had many positive changes. The situation of crime, law violations, and fire and explosion incidents has been reduced every year in terms of the number of cases, the number of deaths, the number of injuries and the damage caused by fires.

However, the nature and extent of damage caused by fires and explosions are still serious, especially with many fires causing great loss of life and property. In the last 5 years alone, there have been over 17,600 fires nationwide, an average of over 3,000 fires each year, killing 560 people, injuring 606 people, and causing property damage estimated at nearly 4,000 billion VND.

Therefore, the effective application of scientific and technological achievements to serve the work of ensuring security and safety in fire prevention and rescue is an urgent and practical requirement in the current situation.

Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen stated that the dialogue forum is a bridge to connect, exchange, discuss and share experiences, difficulties and obstacles in implementing regulations on fire prevention, rescue and relief work; at the same time, exchange solutions on applying science and technology, digital transformation to serve the socio-economic development of the country.

Meanwhile, the international exhibition on fire prevention and fighting and rescue techniques and equipment, security, safety and protection equipment in 2025 has the participation of 480 leading domestic and international enterprises and brands from 17 countries and territories.

The Prime Minister assessed that over the past time, under the close leadership and direction of the Party and State, and the efforts of ministries, sectors, localities and functional forces, fire prevention and rescue work has achieved many important and outstanding results - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

At the forum, delegates exchanged, discussed, and evaluated the results achieved, pointed out the shortcomings, limitations, inadequacies, and difficulties, clarified the causes, drew experiences, and proposed feasible recommendations and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of fire prevention and fighting, rescue, and salvage, ensuring the safety of people's lives, health, and property, creating an environment and favorable conditions for production and business activities of enterprises, promoting innovation, application of science and technology, and digital transformation to serve the socio-economic development of the country. Based on the opinions of associations and enterprises, leaders of ministries and branches exchanged, answered, and guided.

According to Lieutenant General Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department, in recent times, 37 administrative procedures on fire prevention and fighting have been reduced to 9 administrative procedures, a reduction of 75.67%; currently, 100% of administrative procedures on fire prevention and fighting are carried out in a level 4 electronic environment, ensuring convenience and reducing time and travel costs for people and businesses.

Along with that, it has simplified and reduced the components of administrative procedure settlement records, cut down the time for administrative procedure settlement, previously the procedure with the longest settlement time was 15 working days, now it is only 10 days (including holidays); the shortest procedure is now only 05 working days.

The Ministry also reformed procedures for licensing the circulation of fire prevention and rescue vehicles; abolished regulations on conditional business lines for establishments providing fire prevention and rescue services; and ensured clear assignment and non-duplication of appraisal contents among specialized management agencies.

Representatives of countries and international organizations attending the forum - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Ministry of Public Security has fully delegated the responsibility to local police to handle administrative procedures. The Ministry-level agencies only conduct inspections, provide guidance on professional expertise, or conduct fire prevention and fighting design appraisals for key projects, security, and defense when requested; and more specifically regulate the responsibilities of facility heads, especially the work of self-inspecting fire safety and developing fire prevention and fighting plans for the facility.

The system of standards and technical regulations on fire prevention and rescue has also been adjusted in the direction of increasing the scale of constructions that must be equipped with fire prevention and rescue equipment and systems in the draft National Technical Regulations about to be issued. At the same time, the Ministry of Public Security is currently continuing to review the standards to adjust in the direction of reducing the number of equipment and vehicles that must be equipped for houses and constructions, to reduce the cost of investing in fire prevention and rescue systems for businesses.

A representative of GTEL Corporation said that, as an enterprise directly serving the security and security industry of the public security sector, GTEL Corporation is a pioneer in researching, applying science and technology, digital transformation in security and safety work, especially in fire prevention and rescue work, contributing to building a modern, dual-use security industry.

Currently, GTEL Corporation has researched, mastered technology and provided a comprehensive chain of solutions for fire prevention and fighting, including incident reporting equipment, inter-family fire alarm systems, manufacturing and supplying UAV equipment for timely reconnaissance and rescue work...

Recently, GTEL and the National Cyber Security Association have deployed the donation of hardware and software systems to serve the implementation of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Incident Reporting Project, installed from the Command Information Center of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department and Rescue to the Police of provinces, cities and regional firefighting and rescue teams (over 400 teams). Currently, the basic hardware and software have been completed and the system can be declared and operated from September 2025.

Meanwhile, CT UAV (a member of CT Group) brought to the exhibition two specialized UAV solutions, capable of monitoring, early detection and warning of fire risks in high-risk areas and can directly participate in the scene, supporting firefighting and rescue forces in hard-to-reach areas. The combination of these two lines of equipment helps shorten response times, increase rescue speed and improve community protection efficiency.

Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen said that the forum was held for the first time to contribute to the implementation of Resolution 57 of the Politburo; practically celebrating major holidays - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Selflessly fighting the 'fire enemy' for the peace of the people

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that in recent times, fires, explosions, and natural disasters have caused much damage to the people and the country's development.

The Prime Minister highly appreciated the Ministry of Public Security for proactively preparing and organizing this very meaningful exhibition and forum, especially on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People's Public Security Force, and the 20th anniversary of the National Day for National Security Protection.

The head of the Government assigned the Ministry of Public Security to preside over and coordinate with the Government Office to absorb opinions at the forum and opinions of people and businesses to submit appropriate documents and better organize implementation in the coming time, ensuring "6 clear": clear people, clear work, clear time, clear products, clear responsibilities, clear authority.

The Prime Minister especially noted that it is necessary to draw good experiences and valuable lessons, summarize them into models, build a culture of fire prevention and fighting, prevent natural disasters, improve rescue skills among the entire population to contribute to preventing and minimizing the possibility of fires, explosions, and natural disasters. If they unfortunately occur, they must be quickly remedied, minimizing serious consequences, and trying not to cause deaths.

The Prime Minister assessed that over the past time, under the close leadership and direction of the Party and State, and the efforts of ministries, sectors, localities and functional forces, fire prevention and rescue work has achieved many important and outstanding results.

Director of Department C07 Nguyen Tuan Anh speaks at the forum - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Firstly, we have strongly innovated in thinking and awareness; focused on building forces, ready to carry out requirements and tasks; at the same time, improved the effectiveness and efficiency of state management on fire prevention and fighting; especially mobilized the combined strength of the entire political system.

Second, advise and propose timely and appropriate policies and guidelines on this work; notably the Law on Fire Prevention and Rescue, the Law on Civil Defense and guiding Decrees with many new points, resolving inadequacies and limitations in legal regulations on fire prevention and rescue.

Third , ministries, branches and localities have shown their determination, positivity and proactiveness, especially in perfecting regulations and standards on fire prevention and fighting, and implementing safety measures. Promoting the movement of the entire population participating in fire prevention and fighting and rescue, promptly detecting and handling fires, explosions, incidents and accidents right at the grassroots level.

Fourth, strengthen the regular and simultaneous organization of many forms of propaganda, dissemination of laws, knowledge, skills, and drills on fire prevention and rescue, raising awareness, responsibility and compliance of people, businesses, and the whole society.

Fifth, mobilize many resources to invest in projects, develop technical infrastructure, purchase fire prevention and fighting equipment and means, rescue; improve the capacity to respond to fire and explosion incidents, rescue on rivers, seaports, high-rise buildings, underground works... Promote international cooperation; effectively carry out fire fighting, rescue, and overcome the consequences of natural disasters at home and abroad (Turkey, Myanmar).

Sixth , ensure constant combat readiness in terms of both forces and means to promptly handle and overcome the consequences of fires, explosions, incidents, and natural disasters; support and help people affected by natural disasters, rescue and guide thousands of people to safe escape; extinguish tens of thousands of fires, saving many people and properties... with a sense of responsibility, dedication, and sacrifice.

General Director of Vietnam Electricity Group Nguyen Anh Tuan presented a speech at the forum - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Head of Government assessed that the results of fire prevention and rescue work in recent times have significantly contributed to creating a secure, safe, and stable environment for production and business activities, bringing peace to people's lives.

According to the Prime Minister, the outstanding results in fire prevention and rescue work have clearly affirmed the core role of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense, further enhancing the heroic and glorious tradition of the People's Army and the People's Police.

In which, the fire police and rescue force is the main force. In more than 60 years of building, fighting and growing (established on October 4, 1961), the fire police and rescue force has overcome difficulties, hardships, sacrifices, and strived to excellently complete its tasks; is the main force, the core force on the front line against "fire"; is an important component and has made great contributions to the achievements and feats of the heroic Vietnam People's Public Security force.

In carrying out their duties, the Fire Police and Rescue Force always demonstrate a spirit of courage, self-sacrifice, and readiness to face difficulties and dangers to save people and property. 34 officers and soldiers have sacrificed their lives and hundreds of comrades have been injured while selflessly fighting the "fire enemy" (since 1961 to present), touching the hearts of millions of people, contributing to spreading the good values of the People's Police soldiers.

On behalf of the Party, State and Government leaders, the Prime Minister acknowledged, highly appreciated and commended the achievements, feats and sacrifices of the forces of natural disaster prevention, rescue, fire prevention and fighting, and the contributions of the people and businesses in this work, making important contributions to the cause of protecting national security and developing the country; protecting the property, health and lives of the people.

In addition, the Prime Minister frankly pointed out the shortcomings and limitations in fire prevention and fighting work. The leadership, direction and implementation of fire prevention and fighting work are sometimes ineffective; there is still a situation of lax management, allowing construction of works that do not comply with fire prevention and fighting regulations. The work of inspection, examination and handling of violations of fire prevention and fighting and construction order is not strict; sanctions are not strong enough to deter, leading to procrastination and prolongation of the correction of violations. The effectiveness of propaganda and dissemination of laws on fire prevention and fighting and rescue is not high; the rescue, escape and escape skills of the majority of people are still weak. A number of heads of establishments, enterprises and householders are not aware of the importance of fire prevention and fighting; have not proactively ensured fire safety; are subjective and negligent in using fire and heat sources...

Mr. Dien Van Kien, Chairman and General Director of Gtel Global Telecommunications Corporation, spoke at the forum - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

9 important tasks to ensure security, safety and public safety

To overcome the causes, reduce the risks, situations, number of cases and consequences caused by fires and explosions, the Prime Minister requested relevant entities to implement comprehensive and synchronous solutions to create movements and trends, build a culture of fire prevention and fighting, prevent and respond to natural disasters and improve rescue skills; including urgently developing a project "Preventing and reducing fires causing serious damage to people and property and improving the effectiveness of rescue work".

In the coming time, the situation, including climate change, is forecast to continue to develop complicatedly; fire prevention and rescue work will face many difficulties and challenges. The Prime Minister stated that, with the goal of ensuring security, safety, and public safety, contributing to bringing an increasingly happy and prosperous life to the people, we must continue to deploy fire prevention and rescue work in a synchronous, systematic, and serious manner, in the direction of open institutions, smooth infrastructure, professional people, smart management, and investment in modern equipment and technology.

The Prime Minister emphasized that fire prevention and rescue work is of great importance to ensure a safe and peaceful life for each individual, family and the whole society - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister requested ministries, branches, localities and enterprises to focus on implementing the following key tasks more drastically, strongly and effectively.

Firstly, effectively implement the Party and State's guidelines, policies, and laws; continue to advise, propose, and perfect policies, laws, standards, and regulations on fire prevention and rescue; improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of fire prevention and rescue, focusing on prevention as a fundamental, strategic, long-term, decisive task, and prevention as an important, regular task. Identify fire prevention and rescue as an important, regular task, and enhance the responsibility of leaders of Party committees, authorities, agencies, and units.

Second, focus on raising awareness and responsibility of the entire political and social system in fire prevention and fighting, rescue work; absolutely do not "leave it to" or "outsource" it to the core force. Strengthen propaganda, dissemination and education, especially on fire prevention and fighting laws and skills, and rescue.

The Prime Minister and delegates cut the ribbon to open the International Exhibition on Fire Prevention and Fighting Techniques, Equipment, Rescue and Security, Safety and Protection Equipment 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Third , promote decentralization and delegation of authority, and prevent laxity in state management of fire prevention and fighting. Promote administrative reform of fire prevention and fighting and rescue procedures in a smooth and transparent manner, in the direction of facilitating and reducing compliance costs while still ensuring security and safety, enhancing professionalism, spirit of serving the people, promoting digital transformation, and effectively providing online public services. Review, inspect, and strictly handle violations of fire prevention and fighting.

Fourth, breakthrough in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation in the field of fire prevention and fighting, rescue, security and safety industry (including the Fire Prevention and Fighting Incident Communication and Reporting Project; Fire Prevention and Fighting Database System and Software Project); promote the application of digital technology, smart technology, big data, artificial intelligence to improve fire prevention and fighting and rescue capacity.

Fifth, continue to expand international cooperation, enhance information exchange, experience sharing, application of advanced techniques and technologies with other countries; research, manufacture, and master technologies, equipment, and means for fire prevention, rescue, and relief.

The Prime Minister talks and encourages fire police officers - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Sixth, for enterprises, it is necessary to strictly implement legal regulations; increase awareness, responsibility, improve capacity in fire prevention and rescue in enterprises; invest in fire prevention and fighting means and equipment to ensure compliance with regulations and suitability; develop enterprises participating in the field of fire prevention and fighting, investment, and technology transfer.

Seventh, develop electronic and paper handbooks on fire prevention, natural disasters, rescue and relief and disseminate them to the entire population and society in an effective and appropriate manner.

Eighth , build a close coordination mechanism between agencies, units, localities, between people and businesses with state agencies, between people and businesses.

Ninth, contributing to the effective implementation of the two-level local government organization model, the "four pillars" resolutions of the Politburo (on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation; private economic development; law making and enforcement; international integration) and resolutions about to be issued by the Politburo on education, health, culture, etc.

The Prime Minister emphasized that fire prevention and rescue work is of great importance to ensure a safe and peaceful life for each individual, family and the whole society; create conditions for sustainable and safe socio-economic development, contributing to bringing the country into a new era.

The Prime Minister visits the exhibition booths at the International Exhibition on Fire Prevention and Fighting Techniques, Equipment, Rescue and Security, Safety and Protection Equipment 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Declaring the opening of the International Exhibition on Fire Prevention and Fighting, Rescue and Security Equipment, Safety and Protection 2025, the Prime Minister believes that after this exhibition and forum, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and security work will have important steps forward, bringing this work to continue to achieve many results in the coming time, more breakthroughs, more efficiency, ensuring security, safety, and security for the people and bringing an increasingly prosperous and happy life to the people.

Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/thu-tuong-xay-dung-van-hoa-phong-chay-chua-chay-phong-chong-thien-tai-nang-cao-ky-nang-cuu-nan-cuu-ho-trong-toan-dan-1019352.html