A fire at a scrap facility in Bình Dương Province on August 22. VNA/VNS Photo

The country recorded 312 fires, resulting in one death and three injuries in August, according to the Department of Fire Prevention and Rescue.

In terms of property, these fires caused damage worth approximately VNĐ10.6 billion (US$ 432,000) and affected 10.4ha of forest.

There were also five explosions, which killed four people and injured 13 others nationwide, according to the department.

The fire prevention and rescue police of local departments mobilised 1,004 vehicles and 6,061 officers to extinguish fires in 285 of the 312 incidents. They deployed 339 vehicles and 2,097 officers directly to 133 rescue missions.

Authorities also helped hundreds of people escape from dangerous situations, rescuing 29 individuals and saving property worth over 8 billion VNĐ from fires. Local forces and citizens successfully extinguished 27 fires.

The number of fires in August increased by seven, but the number of deaths decreased by 18, injuries fell by seven and property damage was reduced by VNĐ400 million as compared to July.

The number of explosions increased by two, with four more deaths and ten more injuries than in July.

Compared to the same period in 2023, the number of fires decreased by 37, the number of deaths dropped by seven and injuries increased by one.

Most fires occurred in urban areas, with 193 incidents (61.9 per cent), while rural areas accounted for 119 incidents (38.1 per cent). House fires made up 93 incidents (29.8 per cent) while 39 fires occurred in warehouses or business facilities (12.5 per cent), 26 fires were reported in properties combining homes and businesses (8.3 per cent) and other types of fires comprised the remaining cases.

Additionally, of the fires that were investigated, 80.7 per cent (159 of 312 incidents) were caused by electrical system or equipment failures, while 11.2 per cent (22 incidents) were due to carelessness in handling fire or heat sources, with other causes making up the rest.

There were six major fires in August, with two occurring in Bình Dương Province and one resulting in severe casualties.

This month, the fire prevention and rescue police will continue to promote awareness of fire safety laws and expand community-based fire safety models such as the 'Family Fire Safety Group' and 'Public Firefighting Points' which have proven effective in ensuring fire safety in residential areas.

Authorities will also maintain and expand fire prevention training centres in Hà Nội, HCM City and Nam Địn Province and pilot centres will be set up in Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng and Cần Thơ cities, with plans for expansion to other regions.

Strict action will be taken against establishments that fail to meet fire safety requirements, with a public list of all buildings that have been put into operation without passing fire safety inspections.

Fire prevention and rescue forces will continue to maintain a high level of preparedness to effectively respond to fires, explosions, accidents and other emergencies.

Outstanding individuals and groups will be recognised and commended for their contributions to fire prevention and rescue efforts, while those who seriously violate fire safety regulations will be held accountable.

The heads of facilities who fail to fulfill their responsibilities, resulting in violations that cause large fires or serious damage, will be strictly punished according to the law. VNS