A view of the NA Deputies' Conference, taking place between August 27 and 29. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn

HÀ NỘI — Clearer definitions and stricter punishments are needed as part of a new law to tackle and prevent fires.

Those were some of the proposals as deputies discussed the draft Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue.

The points were made at the National Assembly (NA) Deputies' Conference on Wednesday, with lawmakers calling for stricter penalties to address fire safety violations.

Deputy Phạm Văn Hòa from Đồng Tháp Province praised the draft's detail but raised concerns about the assignment of authority to province-level People's Councils to handle fire safety violations. He suggested the authority fall to province-level People's Committees for better efficiency.

He subscribed to the idea of mandatory fire insurance but also called for specific regulations regarding which establishments must be covered to avoid confusion.

Deputy Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà from Quảng Ninh Province highlighted the need for a clear definition of flammable and explosive goods, which is absent in the draft, and suggested the Government be in charge of developing a list of goods that fall under the category.

She also called for a more practical approach to fire safety inspections at construction projects by allowing investors to outsource the technical aspects to qualified professionals.

Deputy Tô Ái Vang from Sóc Trăng attributed the surge in high-rise building fires to people's disregard for fire regulations and the lax supervision of building management boards.

She called for improved fire-fighting equipment and better benefits for firefighters to deal with the situation. She also underlined the need for increased penalties for consistently non-compliant buildings.

Other deputies shared Vàng's view, noting that current fire-fighting equipment is inadequate. They urged the Government to prioritise investing in modern equipment, including aircraft, which is key to more efficient rescue operations.

NA Vice Chairman Trần Quang Phương praised the deputies for their efforts to refine the draft. He suggested expanding its scope to ensure its universality and avoid individualised regulations, which is in line with the Politburo's guidance.

The draft will be finalised based on input from NA deputies and relevant agencies. It will then be presented to the National Assembly for approval. — VNS