Elite firefighting and rescue teams set up in Hanoi

Hanoi Police this week launched two elite fire prevention and rescue teams specializing in land and underwater operations, marking an important step in the capital's fire prevention and rescue efforts.   

Best of the best officers and soldiers with professional expertise in the two elite firefighting and rescue teams.

The two teams are made up of highly trained officers drawn from fire and rescue units across Hanoi, recognized for their expertise and outstanding record of saving hundreds of lives.

Colonel Duong Duc Hai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department, described the units as a frontline fighting force for the city's fire and rescue police.

"The two teams play a key role in fighting serious fires and explosions, major accidents, and resolving difficult incidents in Hanoi. Equipped with advanced, mobile, and rapid response capabilities, the teams are prepared to handle fire incidents, explosions, accidents, and other emergencies, especially in complex urban areas, underground and elevated metro stations, and other high-risk locations," Hai said.

He emphasized that in addition to their duties within the capital, these teams are at the disposal of neighboring provinces and if requested, can participate in international firefighting and rescue missions.

Colonel Duong Duc Hai asked the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department to immediately set up a training program on skills and tactics for the officers of the two elite teams. The training program will be designed to suit actual conditions and equipment.

Colonel Duong Duc Hai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department (second from left), hands over the decision to establish the two elite fire prevention and rescue police teams.

"Special attention is paid to the work of combat readiness in close coordination with the Hanoi Police Command Information Center to mobilize forces in case of emergency," Hai added.

The deputy director asserted that with the establishment of the two special fire prevention and rescue police teams, Hanoi is determined to build a professional, elite police force ready to deal with all emergencies. 

Hanoi keeps enforcing fire prevention and firefighting measures 

Colonel Pham Trung Hieu, Director of the Police Department of Fire Fighting and Prevention, said that fire prevention is a "special operation" that requires the participation of both law enforcement and people to prevent serious fires.

"Local authorities must ensure that commercial facilities comply with fire and explosion safety requirements. Those lacking safety equipment should be suspended from operation," Hieu said.

He said local leaders must take responsibility for the occurrence of fires and explosions, casualties, and property damage in their jurisdictions.

"Each locality must set up a fire and explosion prevention and rescue team, and the names of construction projects that violate fire and explosion prevention regulations must be announced in the public media," he said.

The local authorities' actions came in the wake of several fires in Hanoi that caused billions of dong in property damage and resulted in many deaths.  

The Hanoi People's Committee encourages enterprises, organizations, and individuals in the capital to actively upgrade their knowledge and skills in responding to fire, explosion, and accident situations.

It outlines nine main categories of measures, with special emphasis on fighting and preventing fire and explosion incidents, especially in high-risk areas such as apartment buildings, industrial zones, artisan villages, and commercial centers.

"These are priority efforts from now until the end of 2024 and further extended to 2025. In particular, the inspection of facilities with a high risk of fire and explosion must be carried out immediately, and inspectors must report the results to the municipal people's committee by late November," the committee said.

Public awareness campaigns and training programs to equip people with basic rescue and evacuation skills are also emphasized.