China's Ministry of Public Security has ordered local fire-fighting departments to intensify monitoring of fire risks to ensure safety during the festive season between the New Year and the Spring Festival as well as the annual sessions of the NPC and CPPCC.

The National People's Congress (NPC) is China's national legislature and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is China's top advisory body. Their annual sessions are usually held in March.

In a notice issued on Monday, the ministry's fire control bureau asked local police to inspect fire-fighting equipment at key government departments, shopping malls, hotels, schools, hospitals, and venues involving the production, sale and storage of dangerous chemicals.

Special teams must be sent to examine venues hosting festive activities including temple fairs and lantern shows. The conference rooms and media centers of the political sessions are also to be inspected.

In winter, fatal fires were more frequent as crowds gathered and the weather was drier with strong winds, the bureau warned.

Once fire risks were spotted, the relevant units should be ordered to rectify them within a fixed period or have their licence suspended, the notice said.

Fire-risk inspections should also be stepped up at recreational venues to ensure sound patrol and fire-fighting equipment management.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)