Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister of Public Security Major General Nguyen Van Long said that among these fires, some 15,490 erupted at residents’ houses and factories, while the remaining 1,570 were discovered in the woods.

Total damages from the flames amounted to over VND7 trillion, while more than 7,500 hectares of forest was destroyed, the local media reported.

Over 60% of these fires reportedly occurred in cities, mainly in residential areas, he said, adding that electrical faults were the main reason for the fires.

Besides, during the five-year period, 149 blasts were reported, leaving 64 people dead and 190 others injured.

Speaking of fire prevention and fighting solutions, the Ministry of Public Security asked other ministries, agencies and cities and provinces to stay on high alert for risks of fires and blasts and ensure fire prevention systems work well.

Firefighters should be dispatched to the scene of a fire no later than five minutes after the fire breaks out.

The Ministry of Construction was proposed to review and check standards and regulations on fire prevention and fighting to promptly make them more suitable for the present. In addition, the ministry should issue guidance and new regulations on fire safety at residents’ houses, karaoke parlors, bars and nightclubs.

Source: Saigon Times