The Hanoi People's Committee issued a plan dated October 24 requiring all city's investors to make a plan for fire prevention work.

The plan includes four phases. In the first (2022), Hanoi will inspect and evaluate establishments that do not meet fire prevention requirements. The city will hold a conference where investors and business owners will meet to discuss and guide fire prevention procedures; all investors will be asked to commit to a fire prevention plan and roadmap.

In the second phase (2023), the city will inspect and monitor progress and urge commercial establishments to comply with the committed plan and roadmap to ensure that at least 30% of establishments are certified by competent authorities for fire prevention.

In the third phase (2024), at least 70% of the commercial facilities will overcome the shortcomings in fire prevention work and be certified by competent authorities.

A local of Tran Hung Dao Ward in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District learn to use fire extinguishers. Photo: Cong Tho/ The Hanoi Times

In the fourth phase (2025), 100% of the establishments will improve fire prevention works and be certified by the competent authority.

Hanoi's authorities have called for action due to the recent fires in the city, which have caused billions of Vietnamese dongs in material losses and resulted in numerous fatalities.

The Hanoi Police Department has conducted a two-month inspection on fire prevention at industrial and processing parks and crowded entertainment and shopping areas.

The police have inspected plants in industrial and processing parks and hi-tech zones, and others at district and commune levels.

Moreover, they have strengthened the supervision of fire prevention in leisure and service businesses with the participation of many people, such as hotels, guesthouses, bars, clubs, apartment buildings, markets, shopping centers, warehouses, and workshops.

All commercial facilities will undergo regular, short-notice checks and re-examination to see how it improves fire and explosion prevention.

The civil defense force in Hanoi's Thanh Xuan District join a training course on fire prevention work. Photo: The Hanoi Times

"Through the inspection, police officers will improve their strengths and fix their weaknesses in fire and explosion prevention to protect the lives and assets of the people," Colonel Duong Duc Hai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department, told The Hanoi Times.

"After the inspection plan finishes, establishments in the city will be categorized into three levels regarding flammable and explosive threats. Based on the categorization, we hope to prevent heavy fires and better protect the people," Hai said.

He added that all district and commune units should be aware that the activity is "a special operation" which requires the participation of both law enforcement and the population.

"Local authorities must ensure that commercial facilities comply with fire and explosion safety requirements. Those lacking anti-fire equipment should be suspended from the operation," Hai stressed.

He noted that local leaders must take responsibility for fires and explosions, casualties and property damage in their jurisdiction.