Scene of the fire incident at an electric bicycle and motorcycle business in An Khánh Commune, Hà Nội's Hoài Đức District, on July 19. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Hà Nội People’s Committee has urged better fire prevention in the management and use of electricity.

In a Directive signed last week, Chairman of the city People's Committee Trần Sỹ Thanh requested relevant agencies and authorities at all levels to thoroughly address existing limitations in electricity management and usage, while strengthening communication, raising public awareness and implementing fire prevention and rescue.

The city's police force is required to enhance guidance, inspection, and supervision of fire safety and search and rescue operations.

The police force needs to collaborate with relevant units to intensify inter-departmental inspections, promptly identify existing problems, and handle violations related to fire safety regulations.

The city police is also assigned to conduct investigations, clarify the causes of fire and explosion incidents and the responsibility of organisations and individuals whose negligence leads to serious consequences.

The Hà Nội City Electricity Corporation and related units must ensure fire safety for electrical projects and facilities.

The city chairman assigns the Department of Industry and Trade to enhance inspections and supervision of the implementation of halting or reducing the electricity supply by the Electricity Corporation.

The Department of Construction must provide guidance to the district People's Committees on inspecting and addressing violations of construction regulations, especially unpermitted construction projects on agricultural and forestry land, areas earmarked for future projects, flood drainage corridors, and power grid protection zones.

The People's Committees of districts, towns, and municipalities are required to regularly and randomly conduct inspections of fire prevention and rescue operations at business establishments and residential areas.

The city also mandates comprehensive solutions for projects that have not yet been accepted for fire prevention but have been put into operation.

According to statistics over the past five years, there have been 2,647 fire and explosion incidents in the city, resulting in 77 deaths and 131 injuries, causing property damage of over VNĐ684 billion (US$28.6 million).

Notably, a fire occurred at a house on Thành Công Street, Quang Trung Ward, Hà Đông District, on May 13, killing four people.

About three-fourths of fire incidents are related to the electrical system and equipment. — VNS