Fires occurring in 2009 have caused the death of 80 people and burned property worth VND 500 billion (26 million USD) to ashes.
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| Thousands of hectares of forest were burnt in 2009. (Illustrative photo) |
According to the Fire Services report, 1,948 fires occurred nation-wide in 2009, with 1,677 establishments and housing fires (24 large ones), and 271 forest fires. In those fires, 62 people died, 145 were injured, 1,373 hectares of forest were lost and the cost of damage in property was almost up to a value of VND 500 billion. 18 cases of explosions have occurred in the last year, causing the death of 16 people, 42 injuries, and property damage of around VND 1.3 billion (68,000 USD).
Colonel Nguyen Van Tuoi, Deputy Director General of Fire Services, said the problem with fires and explosions has carried over from 2009. Following Tet there was a rapidly increasing number of both large and small fires.
It was reported by the investigating body that in comparison to 2008, the number of fires and explosions in 2009 was reduced by 3.2% (57 fewer cases), but the number of deaths increased by 19% (10 more deaths). Fires continue to occur at large foreign invested corporations, causing serious property losses. The fire at Newtoyo Pulppy Ltd Corporation caused damages of VND 59 billion (3 million USD).
Also revealed in the report, the number of explosion cases in the last year was reduced by 40% (12 fewer cases), but the death toll increased by 56.2% (9 more deaths), the injuries increased by 23.5% (8 more injuries), and the damage to properties doubled in comparison with the previous year. A lack of awareness in using electrical equipment among people is the main cause.
In addition, regulations for fire safety are still not followed and are often even blatantly ignored by people. The police detected and punished 7,234 cases where regulations were violated, with the damage costing up to VND 9.1 billion (USD 473,000).
In 2009, the Fire Services force rescued 24 people from fires, organised escape and safety guidelines for 500 people, and managed to save properties valued to be worth billions of VND.
