Nghe An: Tightening management to reduce fires and explosions caused by electrical short circuits.
In 2025, 65 fires occurred in the province, all of which have been investigated and their causes clarified. Notably, 50 fires originated from electrical system and equipment malfunctions, accounting for 76.9%. This reality shows that electrical fires remain a major risk, posing numerous potential dangers to people's lives as well as production and business activities, requiring the comprehensive implementation of management, control, and prevention solutions at the grassroots level.
Many fires are caused by malfunctions in electrical systems and equipment.
Recent events have shown that many fires in residential areas, houses, and apartment buildings originate from electrical malfunctions in daily life. These incidents often unfold rapidly, are unpredictable, and can have serious consequences if not detected and dealt with promptly.
On the evening of December 31, 2025, a fire broke out at a house in Hong Tho hamlet, Nghia Mai commune. The fire occurred at night, erupting in the family's living area, and the smoke spread rapidly, causing panic among the surrounding residents. Upon receiving the report, authorities promptly arrived, coordinating with local forces and residents to extinguish the fire, evacuate people and property to a safe area, and control the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighboring houses.
Previously, on the evening of December 6, 2025, a fire broke out in a five-story house at 171 Herman Street, Truong Vinh Ward. The fire originated on the fourth floor, where a heating system for the family's use was located. The flames, accompanied by thick smoke, quickly spread, causing concern among residents in the area about the risk of the fire spreading. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene and implemented appropriate firefighting measures. The fire was brought under control in a short time, preventing any unfortunate consequences.
Most recently, at approximately 10:30 AM on January 16, 2026, a fire broke out at the Tan Hop apartment complex in Truong Vinh ward. According to residents, thick smoke and flames emanated from apartment number 222, on the second floor of building B3. The fire started intensely in the bedroom area and then spread to other spaces in the apartment.
No one was home when the fire broke out, so authorities had to break down the door to access the scene and spray water through the windows onto the burning area. After about 15 minutes, the fire was completely extinguished, preventing it from spreading to neighboring apartments, but many household items in the apartment were severely damaged.
According to statistics, in 2025, there were 65 fires in the province, causing no casualties, but property damage estimated at approximately 3.8 billion VND. These fires occurred in various types of structures, including single-family homes, mixed-use buildings (houses, factories, warehouses), vehicles, forests, and other locations.
Notably, 100% of the fires have been investigated to determine the cause, with 50 fires being caused by electrical system and equipment malfunctions, accounting for 76.9%. This is an alarming fact that requires special attention.
Improve awareness and situational handling skills.
Investigations by authorities have revealed that many fires originate from unsafe electrical practices such as: using low-quality or unbranded electrical equipment; outdated and dilapidated electrical systems; unauthorized and makeshift wiring; using multiple high-power devices on the same outlet; or failing to perform regular inspections and maintenance. Particularly during hot weather, increased electricity demand further exacerbates the risk of short circuits, electrical faults, and fires.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Hanh, Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department of Nghe An Province, stated that electrical short circuits are currently the main cause of fires in the area. Many incidents stem from very common daily habits. If people and business owners do not proactively take preventive measures and maintain safe conditions, the risk of fire and explosions will always be present.
In light of this situation, along with public awareness campaigns, the authorities have strengthened the role of state management in fire prevention and rescue. The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Public Security has proactively coordinated with and guided the People's Committees at the commune level to organize inspections and instruct heads of establishments, household owners, business owners, and individuals to fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining fire safety conditions; and at the same time, organized the signing of commitments to ensure fire safety according to regulations.
As a result, the commune-level police force advised the People's Committee at the same level to conduct inspections and provide guidance to 7,405 establishments; thereby handling 525 administrative violations with a total fine of 650.7 million VND. The inspection work was carried out according to the principle of "prevention is key," combining handling violations with guidance on rectification, gradually raising awareness of compliance with fire prevention and rescue laws in the community.
Simultaneously, the Provincial Police Department directed units and localities to review construction projects and facilities that had been put into use without fire safety inspection; directly guided investors and facility owners to implement technical solutions to complete the documentation, request design approval, and conduct inspections and acceptance testing according to regulations; and resolutely dealt with cases of non-compliance. To date, 100% of the projects under review have been guided to rectify the issues; of which 79 out of 112 projects have completed the rectification (reaching 70.5%), and 33 projects are continuing the rectification process.
In particular, to promote self-governance and self-prevention at the community level, the police force has advised on the establishment and maintenance of 1,118 "Safe Fire Prevention and Control Neighborhood Groups" and 2,190 "Public Firefighting Points" in residential areas with high fire risk, contributing to improving the ability to detect and handle fires from the outset.
However, alongside management, inspection, and guidance from authorities, the effectiveness of fire prevention will only be truly sustainable when each citizen and each production and business establishment enhances their self-awareness and proactiveness in using electricity safely.
People need to develop the habit of turning off and unplugging devices when not in use; avoiding charging batteries overnight or when leaving the house; not sharing power outlets for multiple high-power devices; prioritizing the use of electrical equipment that meets quality standards; and regularly inspecting and promptly replacing old or damaged wires and equipment. Each family should proactively equip themselves with portable fire extinguishers, automatic power cut-off devices, and knowledge and skills for escaping in case of an emergency.
To prevent and minimize damage from electrical fires and explosions, authorities advise people to be familiar with initial handling procedures. When a short circuit is detected, remain calm and quickly disconnect the power supply by switching off the main circuit breaker or fuse to limit the risk of fire spreading; at the same time, shout to alert those around you.
In case a fire has broken out, use an appropriate fire extinguisher to put out the flames; absolutely do not use water to avoid the risk of electric shock. If the fire is beyond control, quickly move to a safe area and immediately call 114 so that the Fire and Rescue Police force can provide timely assistance, minimizing damage to people and property.
