More than 1,550 fires occurred nationwide during nine months from November, 2013 to August, 2014, killing 55 people and injuring 119 others.

Property losses from the fires were estimated at 921.8 trillion VND (42,900 billion USD), according to the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department.

Firefighters inspected nearly 129,460 establishments and provided information and knowledge on fire prevention and fighting for people. Over 18,230 firefighters directly participated in extinguishing 1,162 fires with 2,814 fire engines involved, the department said.

In same period last year, the country recorded 1,920 fires, claiming 32 lives and leaving 99 injured.-VNA