All fire brigades in Beijing, the national capital, are well prepared for any possible fire accidents during the week-long Spring Festival holiday which started January 24.
Over 4,000 fire-fighters and 259 fire engines will be sent out to public gatherings and firecracker sites during the traditional festival to watch out for any fire accidents.
The serious fire accident in Luoyang, in central China's Henan Province, has put the country on guard against fire accidents.
Beijing's fire prevention departments have dispatched fire-fighters to local entertainment centers, furniture and construction material stores to examine their fire prevention facilities. Those below the safety standard have been closed or given a deadline to add necessary fire prevention facilities or face punishment.
Fires in Beijing caused 41 deaths, 106 injuries, and over 14 million yuan (about 1.68 million U.S. dollars) in direct economic loss in 2000.
(21DNN 01/25/01)
