Circular will promote fire safety activities

The State Council released a circular on Thursday on the implementation of an accountability system to improve fire prevention measures.

Governments at county level and above have been ordered to abide by fire prevention laws and regulations, and supervise the fire safety work of lower-level authorities. They should set up inspection mechanisms and firefighting teams, as well as coordinate emergency rescue operations, the circular said.

In addition, provincial governments should take charge of organizing regular meetings on fire prevention and devising or revising local regulations, as well as related activities, and should increase investment in fire safety measures.

Authorities are also required to promote the installation of basic sprinkler systems and smoke alarms in highly populated areas, including public service centers, kindergartens, residential communities, hotels and rental properties.

The State Council has said it will evaluate provincial governments annually based on their fire prevention work, and has urged local authorities to set their own evaluation standards.