A police officer in Long Biên District provides residents with some basic training in the event of a fire. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — As summer approaches in Hà Nội and the risk of residential fires looms large, many households are operating home-based production facilities that are still not equipped with essential fire prevention and fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, alarms, lights, or emergency exits.

The use of electrical equipment and fire sources without proper care also increases the likelihood of fire and explosions.

To mitigate these risks and equip locals with the skills and knowledge needed to handle fires, district authorities in Hà Nội have been providing citizens with training on fire prevention and fighting.

Last weekend, police in Hàng Trống Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, instructed residents on basic skills needed in the event of a fire or explosion and how to use common firefighting tools.

Photos of firefighters in action were also displayed for residents and tourists to understand better and share the hardships and dangers of firefighters at work.

“People see the terrible damage to human life and property when a fire occurs, so people are more aware of fire prevention in families and residential areas,” said Anh Hà at the photo exhibition.

On Monday, Hà Đông District's police trained about 2,500 members of fire prevention teams from 17 wards.

They heard about the causes of fires and explosions, such as electric shocks, gas, alcohol, and burning incense.

Based on practical lessons, the lecturers have given measures to handle fire situations and appropriate escape measures for each case.

To help listeners understand, Thạch Thất District's police coordinated with a local enterprise to organise fire prevention and a fire fighting contest for workers.

The competition included running, extinguishing simulated fires, saving lives, and using water cannons.

Many workers obtained proficient skills in extinguishing fires and saving people quickly.

Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh, a female worker, said: "Through the training, we know the 'golden time' to stamp fire is not more than five minutes after the fire breaks out."

"Raising awareness among workers in factories and enterprises about fire-fighting skills is very important."

Nguyễn Mạnh Hòa, a resident of Mộ Lao Ward, Hà Đông District, said that through training and drills, they understood the new regulations on fire prevention and fighting, were trained how to use fire-fighting equipment and how to handle fires when they occur.

Hai Bà Trưng District has established models of fire prevention and fighting in residential areas that are operating effectively, such as public fire-fighting points and rescue groups.

These models have helped raise people's awareness of fire prevention and fighting.

Hai Bà Trưng District authorities hope that each household will be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher and have at least one person trained in fire-fighting and rescue skills.

All 217 residential groups of Ba Đình District have established civil fire-fighting teams.

Deputy Chairman of Ba Đình District People's Committee Nguyễn Trung Dũng said according to preliminary statistics, the majority of fires are detected and handled by local people before they cause significant damage to life or property.

This shows that grass-roots firefighting models have proved their effectiveness by equipping people with basic skills, according to Dũng.

Hà Nội authorities identified fire prevention and fighting as important to socio-economic development.

Lê Hồng Sơn, Permanent Deputy Chairman of the city People's Committee, said it will be the responsibility of heads of the district and ward authorities if the facilities with a high risk of fire and explosion still operate. — VNS