Thai Nguyen boosts grassroots fire prevention training and support
Iain Hoey
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Community teams respond to fire prevention challenges in Vietnam
Thai Nguyen Province has strengthened its approach to fire prevention by expanding its grassroots firefighting teams, according to a report by Thái Nguyen.
Authorities said that 2,119 grassroots fire prevention and extinguishing teams are now in place across the province, comprising nearly 24,000 trained members.
The decision comes as data from the first four months of 2025 show 37 fires and explosions, resulting in three deaths, one injury and property losses totalling 1.31 billion VND.
The Provincial Police stated that human error, electrical faults, and limited safety provisions at facilities were among the main causes.
Local agencies, businesses and residential areas have been working with the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department to expand and professionalise community-based firefighting capacity.
Grassroots units trained and equipped for early response
The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Thai Nguyen has coordinated training programmes for all grassroots teams to enhance their ability to respond quickly to incidents.
Lieutenant Colonel Phan Thanh Son, head of the department, said: “In training grassroots fire prevention and fighting forces, we always strive to strengthen and improve the quality of this team’s activities, contributing to the gradual socialization of fire prevention and fighting work and promoting the ‘Everyone participates in fire prevention and fighting’ movement.”
Authorities explained that many incidents have been contained early by local teams before professional fire services arrived, limiting further spread and damage.
Grassroots members are trained in how to use hoses, fire extinguishers and initial fire suppression strategies, and are encouraged to monitor and report unsafe practices in homes and businesses.
Fire prevention part of workplace and market safety strategy
Businesses in Thai Nguyen have created their own internal teams to address fire prevention risks.
Ms. Chu Thi Oanh, director of Trung Tin Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, said: “The company has established a grassroots fire prevention team with more than 10 members in each market under its management.”
She continued: “Each year, members receive training in professional skills and the use of hoses, extinguishers, and other equipment; and instructions on how to handle initial fire and explosion situations before professional firefighters arrive.”
In residential areas where homes are often combined with commercial activity, teams work closely with the local police to assess fire risks and issue reminders.
Mr. Bui Gia Khoi, a team member from Hoang Van Thu Ward, said: “We periodically and unexpectedly coordinate with the Neighborhood Police to verify and disseminate fire prevention and suppression efforts in homes… At the same time, we criticize and remind violators.”
Thai Nguyen to continue grassroots fire strategy during hot season
Authorities said the expansion of grassroots fire teams is part of a wider campaign to prepare for increased fire risks during the summer months.
Lieutenant Colonel Phan Thanh Son added: “Reality has also shown that many fires occurred before professional firefighters had yet arrived at the scene, but grassroots firefighting teams coordinated with local people to handle the situation promptly, preventing the fire from spreading or becoming larger.”
The Provincial Police stated that collaboration across local government, agencies and the public is central to early detection and response.
Ongoing plans include additional training sessions, access to equipment and allocation of funds to strengthen capabilities.
The goal is to ensure that grassroots teams can act quickly and support formal firefighting units in reducing damage and saving lives.
Thai Nguyen boosts grassroots fire prevention training and support: Summary
Thái Nguyen has reported that grassroots fire prevention teams in the province now include nearly 24,000 members.
Authorities recorded 37 fire and explosion incidents in the first four months of 2025.
These incidents resulted in three deaths, one injury and 1.31 billion VND in property damage.
The Provincial Police identified human error and electrical issues as the main causes.
Officials stated that many fires have been controlled before emergency services arrived.
Community fire prevention teams are based in residential areas, schools and businesses.
Training includes the use of extinguishers, hoses and safe handling of fire risks.
Lieutenant Colonel Phan Thanh Son said more training and resources will be provided.
The province plans to expand these teams during the summer to reduce risk.
Local businesses are also investing in internal fire prevention units.
