Potential risk of fire and explosion at traditional markets during Lunar New Year
(Baonghean.vn) - Tet is the time when people's shopping needs increase. Units, businesses, and small traders import goods in large quantities to serve the market, while the weather is dry, the amount of electricity consumed is large, so there is always a potential risk of fire and explosion.
In Vinh City, a large fire broke out at Duoc Market, Hung Chinh Commune on the evening of January 11. Although there were no casualties, many goods, including those for Lunar New Year, were burned down, causing heavy losses to small traders.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Quang - Chairman of the People's Committee of Hung Chinh Commune, Vinh City said: The fire broke out suddenly at night at two kiosks selling fabric and votive offerings. These are materials that are easily flammable and spread, so the goods at other kiosks caught fire. However, thanks to the early detection by the people and reports to the authorities and functional forces, the fire was promptly extinguished.
“In fact, the reason why the fire spread so quickly was because the way the traders arranged their goods was still messy and unscientific, so when a small fire came, there was a high risk of it becoming a big fire. Some traders were also being complacent. We have now asked traders to move their goods, especially votive offerings, outside the market area, to well-ventilated areas to prevent fires and explosions during the upcoming Tet holiday…” - Mr. Quang emphasized.
Not only at Duoc market, but in fact in recent years, fires have also occurred at the traditional market near Tet, causing great damage. At the end of 2018, a large fire broke out at the warehouse at Vinh market, all the goods reserved for sale during Tet such as candy, household appliances were burned, traders suffered a loss of about 6 billion VND, many traders lost Tet that year. Previously, in 2006 and 2011, there were also large fires at Vinh market.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Dac - Head of Vinh Market Management Board said: "In reality, fire and explosion incidents can happen at any time, any season of the year. Many traders think that the hot season has passed and the risk has decreased, which is completely wrong. Therefore, during this Lunar New Year, we regularly announce and warn traders about the risk of fire and explosion on loudspeakers, and require households to sign a commitment to fire and explosion safety.
In addition, the market management team also regularly checks the electrical system and generators to ensure good operation. Currently, Vinh market has 6 water tanks with a capacity of about 1,200m3Always guaranteed in case of fire. For businesses that encroach on the road for business purposes, use unsafe equipment that can easily cause fire, explosion, or electrical short circuit, we will check and handle it according to regulations.
However, according to the reporter's records, at the traditional markets in Vinh City and the districts, fire prevention work still faces many shortcomings. For example, the electrical system in the markets is old and degraded, with a high risk of short circuits and fires. Goods are displayed all over the streets, affecting the ability to fight fires. Many fire fighting tools, fire extinguisher boxes... are also filled with goods by traders. Many markets lack fire fighting equipment and tools...
Major Nguyen The Song - Captain of Fire Fighting and Rescue Team No. 1, Nghe An Provincial Police said: During the Lunar New Year, the situation of production, business, and storage of goods increases, the high level of electricity consumption at business and production establishments, households, in dry weather conditions will lead to the risk of fire safety. Therefore, organizations, individuals, households, small traders... need to raise the spirit of vigilance, strictly implement fire prevention measures. The unit is always on duty 24/24h to promptly handle fire and explosion incidents that occur when reported.
According to statistics, from December 15, 2022 to November 14, 2023, there were 68 fires in the province that did not cause any human casualties, with estimated property damage of about 26 billion VND.
Nghe An Provincial People's Committee has issued Official Dispatch No. 37/CD-UBND on strengthening fire prevention and fighting work before, during and after the Lunar New Year and Spring Festivals in 2024. Accordingly, the Provincial People's Committee directed provincial departments, branches, sectors, mass organizations, People's Committees of districts, cities and towns to continue to effectively implement instructions on fire prevention and fighting and rescue; promote the effectiveness of the "4 on-site" motto. Requesting establishments and residential areas to increase security forces, patrol and guard to ensure fire prevention and fighting safety during the dry season, New Year, Lunar New Year and Spring Festivals in 2024...
