Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee Le Hoang Quan asked local authorities to intensify inspections on and strictly punish violations of regulations on fire prevention and fighting in the city.

Accordingly, an inspection team with the involvement of the fire-fighting police, departments of Construction, Culture and Sports, Industry and Trade, and Electricity, and market management agencies will be formed, focusing on inspecting risk areas such as petrol stations, restaurants, entertainment centres, and construction sites.

Quan underscored the need to thoroughly abide by standards and regulations on fire prevention and fighting, including those related to safe distance for extinguishing fire, measures for preventing fire-spread and emergency exit.

The Chairman also urged the concerned agencies to strictly and effectively implemented directives of the municipal Party Committee and People’s Committee relating to fire prevention and fighting, and rescue work in the locality, while enhancing state management in the field.

Communication activities should be fostered in the coming time to raise public awareness of the issue, Quan said.

In 2014, nearly 250 fires were reported in HCM City, killing 19 people and injuring 12 others, and causing a total economic loss of about 50 billion VND (2.35 million USD).-VNA