Hanoi ensures fire safety for 14th National Party Congress and Tet

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi will strengthen fire prevention, firefighting and rescue operations during the dry season to ensure safety for the 14th National Party Congress, the 2026 Lunar New Year and other major political events across the city.

Under the dispatch, agencies and local authorities are required to strictly adhere to assigned objectives and fully implement fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue directives issued by central and municipal authorities.

The Hanoi Department of Public Security is tasked with stepping up public communication and legal education on fire prevention and firefighting, including preventive measures as well as escape and evacuation skills in the event of fires or explosions.

Authorities are also required to enhance public participation in fire safety, strengthen on-site firefighting forces, and expand community-based fire safety models in line with the “four-on-the-spot” principle, comprising on-site command, forces, equipment, and logistics.

Households that combine residential and business activities are encouraged to install early fire detection systems, while facilities are urged to deploy incident alert transmission equipment in accordance with national regulations.

Based on actual conditions during the New Year period, Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations, and large public gatherings, agencies must proactively develop and implement fire prevention and rescue plans tailored to each scenario.

Top priority is given to ensuring absolute safety for the 14th National Party Congress and other major political events.

Fire safety inspections and emergency drills are to be intensified at high-risk locations, including entertainment venues, apartment buildings, commercial centers, production and storage facilities, transport hubs, and venues hosting festivals or large crowds.

Special attention is required at accommodation facilities for Party Congress delegates, as well as surrounding residential areas connected to Congress-related activities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Culture and Sports, in coordination with city media agencies, is instructed to work closely with public security forces and local authorities to strengthen public awareness campaigns on fire and explosion risks during the dry season and the Lunar New Year.

Public messaging is required to reach institutions, communities, and households, with a focus on promoting effective on-site preparedness.

Ward and commune authorities are directed to step up guidance for households, particularly those engaged in business activities, on fire prevention measures and escape skills.

Multi-story mixed-use buildings lacking a secondary escape route are urged to add an additional exit, and to install automatic fire alarm systems and basic firefighting equipment.

Households are encouraged to conduct regular self-inspections of escape routes, electrical systems, and overall fire safety conditions, and to equip at least one fire extinguisher per household. Community-based fire safety models will continue to be expanded.

Fire safety enforcement must be tightened at delegate accommodations and event venues, with any identified shortcomings required to be addressed immediately. Authorities are instructed to strictly handle all fire safety violations detected during inspections.

Facilities under local management are also required to organize regular firefighting and rescue drills, particularly in high-risk areas such as markets, industrial zones, and densely populated residential neighborhoods.

Facility managers and residential group leaders must develop duty rosters and emergency response plans for the Lunar New Year period and submit them to fire prevention and rescue police units for coordination.

Source: Official Dispatch No. 176/UBND-NC issued by the Hanoi People’s Committee on January 14, 2026.