City fire safety inadequate

November 30, 2016 - 10:51

HCM City needs to regularly monitor fire safety practices in households and amusement venues to preclude fire accidents, city Party Committee Secretary Đinh La Thăng has said.

HCM City needs to regularly monitor fire safety practices in households and amusement venues to preclude fire accidents, city Party Committee Secretary Đinh La Thăng has said. — Photo hochiminhcity.gov.vn

HCM CITY – HCM City needs to regularly monitor fire safety practices in households and amusement venues to preclude fire accidents, city Party Committee Secretary Đinh La Thăng has said.

At a meeting with fire department officers on Monday to discuss fire safety and prevention, he instructed them to step up inspections of industrial parks, high-rises, traditional markets, supermarkets, and shopping malls ahead of Tết.

With fires breaking out in several places in the last few months, other recreational spots that attract a large number of visitors on a daily basis, like bars and karaoke shops, must also be covered, he said.

Since most fires are caused by short circuits according to the department, it would be important for electrical companies to raise public awareness of electrical safety, he said.

The city should have helicopters for fire fighting and rescue, he said.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Hoa, deputy director of the Department of Planning and Investment, told him the city lacked the financial and human resources for it.

“It costs about VNĐ1 trillion (US$44.1 million) to buy a helicopter and build a helipad,” she said.

But he dismissed the argument, saying it is necessary for a commercial hub like HCM City to have a helicopter, especially since international investors are particular about fire safety.

The city could rent helicopters from the Việt Nam Helicopter Corporation, he said.– VNS

HCM City fire

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