In the first five months of 2022, there were 186 fires in Hanoi, killing 12 people and injuring 10 others, causing damages of about VND 5.3 billion. Up to 65% of the total number of fire cases occurred in the inner city and in private enterprises, houses that are used as both accommodations and business and production facilities.

The main causes of these fires were electrical short, negligence in using fire sources and heat sources, and welding and cutting of metals. Fires caused by welding and cutting metal in the process of construction, renovation and repair of houses accounted for a low proportion of cases but caused serious consequences.

On July 4, 2017, the Hanoi People's Council issued a resolution to handle establishments that did not meet requirements for fire prevention and fighting before the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting took effect.

It was reported that 2,483 establishments in the capital city did not meet the requirements of fire prevention and fighting before the effective date of the Law on Fire Protection. Specifically, there were 1,569 old apartment buildings and dormitories; 363 schools, educational institutions; 180 offices, 204 warehouses, production workshops and 177 motels, hotels, petrol and chemical stores. In the past five years, only 212 establishments have fulfilled the requirements of fire prevention and fighting, accounting for 8.5%.

At present, many schools in the city are located in residential areas and old apartment buildings with specific structures and architecture cannot be rehabilitated to meet current regulations on fire prevention and fighting.

To solve this situation, the Hanoi People's Council issued a new Resolution to replace Resolution 05, which clearly defines solutions, responsibilities, and the agencies in charge.

It is expected that the new resolution will help the city deal with the problems in fire prevention and fighting.

Di Linh