Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a directive calling for ministries, agencies, and local authorities to focus on mitigating the consequences and implementing effective measures to prevent and control fires and explosions.

Despite numerous government and prime ministerial directives on fire prevention and control, the June 16 fires caused significant harm, prompting the Prime Minister to extend his condolences to the victims' families.

The Prime Minister has instructed the People's Committees of Hanoi and Bac Giang to organize visits, provide timely encouragement, and offer material and spiritual support to the victims' families. The local authorities are to work closely with the Ministry of Public Security to investigate the fires, determine the responsibilities of relevant parties, and strictly handle any violations according to the law.

The Ministry of Public Security is tasked with leading efforts, in collaboration with relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments, to enforce fire prevention and control measures as outlined in government documents. This includes reviewing and classifying rental properties, especially multi-story buildings and apartments, and implementing effective fire prevention solutions. Violations must be dealt with decisively.

Public awareness campaigns on fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and salvage skills are to be intensified, particularly targeting high-risk areas.

The Prime Minister has called for the urgent drafting and submission of a directive to prevent and control fires in high-risk properties, including multi-story buildings, rental houses, and those used for both residential and business purposes.

Local Party committee and authority leaders will be held accountable if they allow high-risk establishments to operate without ensuring fire safety conditions, resulting in serious consequences. This includes a lack of leadership, inspection, supervision, or inadequate implementation of fire prevention and rescue responsibilities.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for increased fire and explosion risk warnings, particularly during hot weather. Knowledge and skills in fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency escapes should be disseminated to students and children during summer vacations.

The electricity sector is tasked with deploying staff to inspect and guide safe electricity usage, addressing improper practices that contribute to electrical fires and explosions.

Tran Thuong