Built in 2008, the Doc Lap apartment complex consists of two five-storey blocks with over 110 units, each ranging from 45 to 60 square metres.
The fire broke out at 9.54 pm on July 6 at one of the apartments on the ground floor. Firefighters arrived promptly, brought the blaze under control by 10.10 pm and rescued three people. However, eight lives were lost, and part of the apartment, along with many belongings, was destroyed.
In the aftermath of the fire, local authorities actively encouraged residents to remove illegal extensions, aiming to improve ventilation, secure emergency exits, and prevent deadly obstructions in future incidents.
Local authorities required households with metal cages on balconies or structures encroaching on corridors to complete dismantling and restore the original design of the complex by July 10.
Tran Xuan Thanh, 60, who lives on the fourth floor where the fire broke out, said, “We were all terrified. But after the city chairman’s visit and local authorities’ encouragement, we promptly took down the metal cages and illegal extensions to ensure safety and prevent future fires.”
Ground-floor households facing the street often encroach on corridors with metal frames, awnings, corrugated sheets, or tarpaulins, mainly to park vehicles or store household items.
According to the HCM City police, the July 6 fire was likely caused by a short circuit from illegal wiring. Metal cages and unauthorised extensions also blocked emergency exits, hindering evacuation.
