To help people know how to protect themselves in case of fire, seven fire stations in Beijing are now open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month, beginning January 20.

It was the first time for the special visit. Local residents came to the stations in spite of snow. They took materials on how to prevent and put out fire, talked with fire-fighters on how to protect and rescue themselves when meeting with a fire.

Officials said this measure is aimed at reducing the city's fire accidents by publicizing knowledge on fire accidents.

Statistics show that 5,036 fire accidents last year in the city resulted in 41 deaths and 106 injuries, as well as 14.36 million yuan (US$1.72 million) in direct economic loss.

(Eastday.com 01/21/2001)