In the early hours of June 10, 2025, a sudden fire broke out at the stilt house of Mrs. Lù Thị Pấng in Phủ hamlet, Thanh An commune. The flames quickly spread due to the abundance of flammable materials such as blankets, clothes, and wooden furniture, destroying nearly all household belongings. Mrs. Pấng recalled: “We were all asleep when the fire suddenly erupted. Everyone panicked and rushed outside to save ourselves. We could only watch as everything inside the house burned down completely.”

At around 8:45p.m. on September 28, another blaze occurred at a motorbike repair shop located at No. 147, Residential Group 11, Điện Biên Phủ ward. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire building and all its contents. Witnesses said they saw smoke and flames rising from inside and tried to break down the door to extinguish the fire, but it spread too quickly. The provincial Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police (FPFRP) promptly deployed fire engines and officers to the scene. Thanks to their quick response and coordination with local authorities and residents, the fire was brought under control without casualties. According to initial findings, an electrical short circuit was likely the cause, as the house was unoccupied at the time.

Although fire prevention efforts have been strengthened, the number of fires has still risen, revealing that risks persist mainly due to negligence, carelessness, and lack of fire safety knowledge and skills among residents and business owners.

Recognizing this, authorities, particularly the FPFRP Division of the provincial Police, have proactively implemented comprehensive measures. The unit has worked closely with Party committees and local governments to enhance public awareness and disseminate fire safety laws and knowledge.

Since the beginning of the year, thousands of news articles, reports, and public awareness clips have been broadcast across mass media. At the grassroots level, commune loudspeakers have aired over 17,000 announcements, while 1,500 LED screens in public areas have displayed fire safety messages. Hundreds of mobile communication sessions using fire trucks and motorbikes equipped with loudspeakers have been organized to deliver the message “Fire Prevention Starts at the Grassroots” to every village and household.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Văn Thưởng, Head of the FPFRP Division, said: “We view community fire prevention awareness as a top priority. Every household and business must equip themselves with basic fire prevention knowledge and skills to protect lives and property.”

In addition to public education, many community-based fire safety models have proven effective, including 162 public fire-fighting points, 172 inter-household fire safety groups, 334 fire-safe schools, and over 800 ‘Fire Safety Gong’ models. Each model encourages community participation ,  from residents and teachers to local security teams,  helping create a shared safety culture.

Mr. Lèng Văn Chung, a grocery shop owner from Mé hamlet, Thanh Nưa commune, shared: “Running a small store means constant fire risks. Since the ‘Fire Safety Gong’ model was introduced, our family and many others have become more aware of fire hazards. We’ve installed fire extinguishers and follow safety practices in cooking, worship, and daily activities.”

Inspection and supervision have also been strengthened. In the first nine months of the year, the provincial FPFRP force inspected 559 facilities, identified and rectified 6 safety deficiencies, and directed commune police to check over 1,800 high-risk establishments. Hundreds of schools were also guided to strengthen fire safety measures at the start of the new academic year. These efforts have helped detect and address risks early, reducing potential incidents.

Authorities have also prioritized on-site fire drills and rescue exercises. Over the past nine months, 23 emergency response plans have been developed and 36 drills conducted with the participation of more than 1,400 officers and hundreds of vehicles and firefighting tools. These realistic simulations help communities and businesses become more proactive and confident in real emergencies.

In addition, special fire safety and security plans have been carefully prepared for major provincial events such as the Ban Flower Festival, National Day celebrations, and Party congresses at all levels, ensuring public safety, protecting property, and maintaining social order.