(baonghean.vn)According to incomplete statistics, in the first nine months of the year, 84 fires occurred in Nghe An province. These fires resulted in 4 deaths, 5 injuries, and property damage exceeding 33 billion VND. In September 2014 alone, the province experienced 5 fires, killing 3 people, injuring 1, severely damaging 3 small fishing boats, and burning 2 oil tankers.....
Regarding fire prevention and control, the issue of fire safety must always be addressed and implemented thoroughly. We must proactively prevent, deter, and minimize negligence that could lead to unforeseen consequences. However, in the awareness of many people, units, agencies, and businesses, fire prevention remains largely neglected.
During the peak month for fire prevention and control, reporters from Nghe An Newspaper captured some images of fire prevention and control work at several units in the province.
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| Provincial fire fighting forces conducted a fire drill at the Haivina Kim Lien factory (Nam Giang - Nam Dan). September 2014. |
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| The stalls selling votive offerings in the western part of Vinh Market are obstructing walkways, posing a significant fire hazard. |
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| The crowded kiosks nestled under large trees on the eastern side of Vinh Market also pose a significant risk of fire and explosions. |
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| Fire hydrant system at the main hall of Vinh Market |
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| Although the fire extinguishing system (including wall-mounted fire extinguishers and a whole-market fire extinguisher at the main hall) is quite modern, manufactured in Japan, with the sensor valve only activating to spray water at a threshold of 69°C, by which time a fire would have had a chance to cause destruction. |
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| The vendors at the main hall of Vinh Market frequently encroach on the walkways to set up their stalls, which is also a cause of obstruction in case of fire. |
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| As one of the units that seriously implements fire prevention and control measures, Cua Lo Loading and Unloading Enterprise (Cua Lo Port) has invested in a comprehensive range of specialized firefighting equipment. |
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| Water tower and pump area for firefighting purposes at Cua Lo port. |
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| However, Cua Lo port still harbors many potential fire and explosion risks. A major contributing factor is the frequent mooring of fishing boats in areas designated for cargo ships (approximately over 100 offshore fishing vessels and small boats transporting fish and supplies daily). On September 13th, a fire broke out at the oil tanker dock of Tan Xuan Co., Ltd. (Block 3, Nghi Tan Ward, Cua Lo Town). The large fire resulted in 3 deaths, 1 injury, severe damage to 3 small fishing boats, and the burning of 2 oil tankers. |
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| Officers from Fire Prevention and Control Police Station No. 2 inspect the modern, integrated gasoline-powered fire pump system (with a capacity of 75 liters/second) and electric system at the Nghe An Dairy Factory. |
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| Cua Lo General Hospital has been upgraded to 70 beds with many modern facilities. However, since its opening three years ago, despite having received fire safety approval, it still lacks a proper fire safety system, apart from a few personal fire extinguishers. |
In response to the above situation, the Provincial People's Committee has just issued Official Dispatch No. 26/CD-UBND-NC on strengthening fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work. The dispatch requires all departments, agencies, and People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns to intensify propaganda on the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting; continue to strictly implement the directives of the Central Government and the province on fire prevention and fighting; agencies must conduct self-inspections of fire safety work; and strengthen the mobilization of forces and develop fire prevention and fighting plans with the "four on-the-spot" principle...
Along with economic development comes rapid urbanization, with the construction of numerous industrial zones, factories, high-rise apartment buildings, supermarkets, and markets. Currently, the province has 10,000 establishments subject to fire safety management, of which more than 2,000 are classified as highly hazardous in terms of fire and explosion risks. Therefore, fire prevention and control must be given special attention to protect the lives, health, and property of the State and the people, contributing to ensuring social security and order. In the first nine months of 2014, the Nghe An Fire Prevention and Control Police inspected 1,800 establishments, discovered 8,000 violations, and imposed fines totaling over 300 million VND. Some common violations at these establishments include a lack of equipment, violations of electrical safety regulations, failure to conduct fire drills and practice fire prevention plans, and failure to purchase fire and explosion insurance.
Tran Hai
