VietNamNet Bridge - In the next 10 years, HCM City will spend more than VND8,100 billion ($370 million) to import hundreds of firefighting vehicles, develop the water supply network, and increase the number and quality of the firefighting staff.

According to the Master Plan of HCM City Firefighting Forces to 2025, from now to 2020 the city will buy two firefighting ships, 258 fire-engines, 61 pumps, 6 boats, two rescue boats and equipment for the firefighting forces.

In the subsequent five years, the city will purchase 131 vehicles, a boat, equipment and instal nearly 20,000 water piers to serve the firefighting tasks.

The city will also restructure and develop the system of firefighting and rescue police forces.

In early 2013 HCM City authorities for the first time approved a project of the Firefighting Police Agency, which includes the purchase of six firefighting helicopters, worth about VND1,000 billion ($50 million)/plane. However, the Master Plan does not include this content.

Linh Thu