Fires kill 25 in HCM City since 2014

Firefighters extinguish a fire at a garage in HCM City on January 30 (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – As many as 1,467 fires have occurred in HCM City since 2014, leaving 25 dead and 76 injured, according to information released at a meeting reviewing the city’s fire and explosion prevention and control.

The fires did an estimated damage of 640 billion VND (28 million USD) in which 21 big fires accounted for 600 billion VND in economic losses and 16 lives.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang asked relevant agencies to review areas with high risks of fires and explosions to implement precautionary measures.

Mang asked the firefighting department to submit plans to build headquarters for the sub-firefighting department in district 5, Tan Binh and Phu Nhuan districts.

Colonel Tran Thanh Chau, Deputy Director of the city firefighting department, said the city will continue inspecting fire-prone areas like high-rise buildings, industrial parks, markets and commercial centres.-VNA