Tightening fire safety measures in high-rise apartment buildings in Nghe An.

Tighten regulations on electric vehicles.

In the former Vinh City area, there are approximately 80 apartment buildings. This number demonstrates the city's development, but it also places significant pressure on fire safety, especially with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles.

According to authorities, electric vehicles and charging in enclosed areas such as parking garages are one of the common causes of fires and explosions in high-rise buildings. A low-quality charger, weak cables, or overcharging can lead to unpredictable consequences. Numerous fires in other localities recently have stemmed from carelessness in charging electric vehicles.

Faced with this situation, some apartment buildings have proactively tightened regulations on electric vehicles to minimize risks. Mr. Nguyen Van Lam, security guard at Gia Thinh Phat apartment building, said: “The building currently has about 30 electric vehicles, which are charged in a separate area with continuous supervision. We switch off the power at 11:30 PM every night and switch it back on at 5:00 AM, absolutely prohibiting overnight charging to prevent fires and explosions.”

In addition to regulating charging hours, the area where the power outlets are located is designed separately, has 24/7 surveillance cameras, and security personnel are always stationed near the area to promptly handle any incidents.

"When we detect signs of overheating, melting, or a burning smell from the charging cable, we immediately request that the power be disconnected and the entire outlet be checked. Safety is our top priority," Mr. Lam shared.

Similarly, Phuc Thinh apartment building on the extended Le Mao street is also a shining example in managing electric vehicles. Mr. Hoang Trung Duong, Head of the building's management board, said: “The apartment building has 18 floors, 218 apartments with more than 600 residents. The entire fire prevention and fighting system operates automatically, sending signals directly to the control center. In addition, the building maintains an 18-person on-site fire prevention and fighting team, on duty 24/7.”

Regarding electric vehicles, since July 2024, the building has moved all electric motorbikes to a separate area from the main building, not sharing space with other vehicles. Currently, there are about 50 electric motorbikes neatly arranged, covered, and monitored by a camera system. For electric cars, the Management Board also requires them to be parked in a separate area outside the basement, not directly connected to the building's electrical system. “Following fires in other locations, we have proactively purchased specialized charging cables, explosion-proof sockets, and standard power cords. Each piece of equipment is inspected regularly,” Mr. Duong said.

However, alongside these positive aspects, our reporter observed that many apartment buildings still neglect to inspect their electrical systems or allow residents to freely plug in chargers and park haphazardly, posing potential safety risks. In some places, electrical wiring is weak and not regularly replaced, and camera surveillance is limited. These are the "loopholes" that make the risk of fire and explosions possible at any time.

Statistics from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Nghe An province show that in the first nine months of 2025, the province experienced 45 fires. While there were no casualties, property damage amounted to 1.8 billion VND. Of these, 32 incidents originated from electrical system or equipment malfunctions, indicating that electrical fires remain a constant threat.

Notably, in addition to major fires, authorities also recorded 126 minor fire incidents, mainly caused by electrical equipment in residential homes and vegetation. Most were detected and dealt with promptly thanks to local forces. This demonstrates the important role of raising fire prevention awareness at the grassroots level.

To prevent the risk of fire and explosion during the use of electric vehicles, authorities advise people to charge according to the manufacturer's instructions, not to charge if the battery shows signs of swelling or cracking; not to charge immediately after the vehicle has been driven; not to charge for more than 8 hours continuously; and only to charge in a cool, dry place, avoiding enclosed areas with high temperatures. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, the battery should be removed and stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to ensure safety.

Raising awareness among every resident.

Alongside enhanced management from the management board and relevant authorities, residents' awareness remains a key factor in determining the effectiveness of fire prevention and control in apartment buildings. In reality, when residents proactively take preventative measures, small fires are usually dealt with promptly, preventing them from spreading.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, a resident of Kim Truong Thi apartment building, shared: "Given the numerous fires across the country recently, we cannot be complacent. My family has purchased mini fire extinguishers and gas masks. Every night, before going to bed, I check the stove, switches, and sockets. It's a small thing, but it makes me feel much safer."

Not only that, Ms. Hang and other residents on the same floor have also created an internal chat group on Zalo, sharing information about electrical safety and notifying each other when there is a burning smell or an unusual incident. "We remind each other to check electrical wires and not use old equipment. Everyone considers it a shared responsibility, not just a private matter for each household," Ms. Hang added.

According to Mr. Hoang Trung Duong, Head of the Management Board of Phuc Thinh apartment building, the awareness campaign is not limited to just hanging signs and posting instructions, but is also integrated into resident meetings. “Every month, we dedicate at least 15 minutes in resident meetings to remind people about fire safety. Some people who were previously careless have started to change their habits after seeing fires happen elsewhere. That's a positive sign,” Mr. Duong said.

From this reality, it can be seen that the "All People Participate in Fire Prevention" movement in apartment buildings is gradually shifting from a formality to action. When residents are trained in skills and equipped with on-site equipment, the effectiveness of responding to incidents is significantly improved.

Data from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Nghe An province shows that in the first nine months of 2025, the province organized 471 awareness campaigns with nearly 81,000 participants; and 85 fire prevention and fighting training courses for more than 11,700 trainees. In addition, 18 practical firefighting experience programs attracted more than 6,300 people to directly participate in operating real equipment. These activities not only help residents master skills but also create a habit of quick reflexes in case of an incident, the most important factor in minimizing damage.