Fire safety risks at Vinh city's traditional markets

According to the reporter's records, in early May 2023, markets in Vinh City have not yet ensured fire prevention and fighting safety measures. At Vinh Market, the largest market in Nghe An Province, many traders do not leave goods in kiosks but instead spread them out in the corridors, narrowing the aisles and affecting rescue and escape work in case of an incident. Photo: NC

Fire protection equipment boxes in many places are covered with various goods. Photo: NC

Even fire extinguisher boxes have been turned into places to hang clothes by traders. A representative of Vinh Market Management Board said: Authorities have regularly inspected and reminded traders to strictly comply with fire prevention regulations, however, some households with a lack of awareness still violate them. Photo: NC

At the main hall and the eastern hall of Vinh market, traders brazenly stretched many layers of canvas, which not only spoiled the beauty but also posed a risk of fire spreading, because this is a flammable material. Photo: NC

The path from the eastern communal house of Vinh market to the main communal house is also blocked by household appliances and equipment... Photo: NC

Not only at Vinh market, markets in Vinh city are also in a similar situation. At Quan Lau market, after nearly 30 years of operation, many items have seriously degraded. In particular, the electricity supply system at the market is rusted, damaged, and at high risk of electrical short circuit. Up to now, the construction of a new Quan Lau market has not been implemented, so traders are very worried about the risk of fire and explosion at this long-standing market. Photo: NC

At Vinh Railway Station Market, the image of small traders expanding and stretching tarpaulins from one kiosk to another is not uncommon, creating both a mess and increasing the risk of fire. Photo: NC

The votive offerings are highly flammable and spread quickly. However, the vendors do not place them in kiosks but hang them up, which is unsafe for fire prevention and fighting. Photo: NC

In recent years, fires have occurred in markets in Nghe An such as Vinh market, Hung Dung market..., causing significant damage to traders' property. Therefore, fire prevention work at traditional markets needs to be focused on, especially during the hot season. In the photo: A fire at a kiosk behind Vinh market in late 2018 caused traders to lose 6 billion VND. Photo: NC