The number of people who died in fires during November in China was 103. This is a massive increase of 94.3 percent over October, said the Ministry of Public Security on Monday.

In November 17,034 fires broke out in China leaving 103 people dead and 90 injured. These figures are up 24.1 percent, 94.3 percent and 15.4 percent respectively, the ministry's fire department said.

They caused 45 million yuan (US$5.6 million) in losses. This is up 11.7 percent over October, the ministry added. Over 189,000 fires occurred in China during the first ten months which left 1,238 dead and 1,204 injured, stated the ministry.

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, more skyscrapers, underground facilities and petrochemical companies being built fire risks were greater, said Guo Tienan, director of the ministry's fire department.

When commenting on the figures last month Guo urged departments at all levels to take measures to eliminate fire risks. 

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)