At Mường Thanh Ethnic Boarding School in Mường Thanh ward, a fire safety awareness and practical training session held in early October attracted enthusiastic participation from large numbers of school officials, teachers and students. Rather than learning solely from textbooks, students received direct guidance from officers of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police Division under the provincial police on identifying fire and explosion hazards, using on-site firefighting equipment and responding to simulated fires. The scenarios reflected situations that could arise in everyday life and school activities, making the lessons easier to understand and remember while helping students begin to develop appropriate responses to emergencies.

Fire safety training is particularly important for students at ethnic boarding schools, where most live and eat on campus. Beyond classrooms, areas such as dormitories, dining halls, kitchens and electrical systems used for daily activities can all pose fire and explosion risks if preventive measures are neglected. Teaching students how to use electrical appliances safely, recognize warning signs, identify escape routes and remain calm in emergencies is therefore essential to protecting their safety.

The enthusiastic atmosphere during the practical exercises showed how hands-on learning can engage students in fire safety. Through simulated scenarios, students at Mường Thanh Ethnic Boarding School gained a clearer understanding of the dangers posed by smoke and toxic gases, the principles of safe evacuation, and the importance of promptly alerting adults and emergency services when a fire is detected.

Lò Thị Linh, a student at the school, said: “What impressed me most was the firefighting procedure. My classmates and I were taught that if a fire breaks out, we should quickly cut off the electricity if it is safe to do so and use a fire extinguisher to tackle the fire in its early stages.”

Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue awareness and training activities are being organized at educational institutions throughout the province. At Him Lam Secondary School in Mường Thanh ward, more than 1,000 school officials, teachers, staff and students took part in a fire safety and rescue awareness program featuring practical exercises.

The activities combined safety education with hands-on instruction, helping students identify common fire and explosion hazards at school and at home. At Lương Thế Vinh Secondary and High School in Điện Biên Phủ ward, practical training also focused on using fire extinguishers, evacuation techniques, rescue skills and basic first aid. These activities help turn fire safety knowledge into practical skills and improve students’ ability to respond to unexpected emergencies.

Cao Thị Đại, Principal of Him Lam Secondary School, said: “Our school has always considered fire prevention and firefighting an important responsibility in ensuring the safety of officials, teachers and students. At the beginning of each school year, we proactively develop plans and coordinate with the authorities to organize awareness campaigns and practical training sessions.

“Simulated emergencies give teachers and students opportunities to practice their skills, improve their ability to respond and reduce panic when an incident occurs. These efforts also provide a foundation for the school to maintain and further improve the effectiveness of its fire safety work in the coming years.”

Recognizing prevention as the top priority, the Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police Division under the provincial police has proactively coordinated with the education sector and educational institutions to implement a range of measures to improve fire safety.

Key efforts include expanding public awareness campaigns, disseminating fire safety regulations, teaching evacuation skills and instructing people in the use of on-site firefighting equipment. Inspections have also been stepped up to identify shortcomings and ensure timely corrective action where fire safety requirements are not met.

Since the beginning of the year, the division has organized 15 fire prevention, firefighting and rescue awareness and practical training programs, attracting nearly 10,000 attendances by officials, civil servants, public employees, teachers and students.

Senior Captain Nguyễn Viết Quỳnh, an officer with the division, said: “We have implemented a coordinated range of measures, with particular emphasis on raising awareness and strengthening the sense of responsibility among school officials, teachers, staff and students in fire prevention and firefighting. Inspections have also been conducted, and violations dealt with seriously.

“During the 2025-2026 school year, the division took action against two educational institutions for violating fire safety regulations. This enabled us to promptly address shortcomings and require corrective measures to improve safety at schools.”

Fire safety awareness campaigns and practical training sessions are helping officials, teachers and students develop proactive prevention habits and learn how to protect themselves from fire and explosion hazards. When knowledge is reinforced through practice and becomes a practical skill, students are better equipped to respond to dangerous situations. These efforts contribute to a safer educational environment where every day at school can be spent learning and growing with greater peace of mind.