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The 15th day of the 7th lunar month with its philosophy and custom of ancestor worship and forgiveness of the deceased formed the Vu Lan festival of filial piety and has become popular.
But this cultural beauty has been transformed into bad customs and superstitions in many places. With the thought "the afterlife is like the present life," many people believe that burning more money, cars, houses, etc. will make them more sincere to the deceased.
In Hanoi, old apartment buildings and small alleys do not have a separate place to burn votive paper, so many people burn votive paper anywhere. On the road, on the sidewalk, even in the hallways and balconies of houses.
Typically, at around 11:30 a.m. on May 31, Ms. LTTH (residing in Thanh Cong apartment complex, Thanh Cong ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi) burned votive paper on the landing of the 4th floor of the apartment complex. Smoke and ashes flew everywhere, affecting the health and daily life of nearby residents and posing a potential risk of fire and explosion.
Ms. H. used fire and heat sources in prohibited areas (the emergency stairs of the apartment complex).
The authorities drew up a record of administrative violations against Ms. H. for using fire and heat sources in prohibited areas, with a fine of 4 million VND, and required Ms. H. to commit not to repeat the offense.
Previously, at around 12:45 on February 4, 2021, a large fire suddenly broke out in a rented room in lane 73, Tam Khuong Street (Khuong Thuong Ward, Dong Da District), killing 4 people and burning 3 motorbikes and many other properties. The cause of the fire originated from burning votive paper.
In reality, fires caused by burning incense and votive paper are mainly caused by burning in the wrong place; the arrangement of the incense burning place does not ensure the distance, leaving too much votive paper near the incense and candle burning location, leading to fire. During the burning process, there is no one watching, causing the embers to spread to surrounding objects.
In order for the whole population to have a peaceful and safe Vu Lan season, Hanoi City Police recommends that people raise awareness of complying with regulations on fire prevention and fighting; strictly manage and safely use fire and heat sources when burning incense and votive paper.
People need to burn votive papers in the right places; do not burn incense and votive papers in areas where the use of flames is prohibited, burn votive papers and incense at production and business establishments, gas stations, markets, and shopping centers.
People should regularly check the fire safety of the electrical system and electrical equipment in the area where the altar is located, promptly detect loopholes and shortcomings and take corrective measures. Before leaving the house and before going to bed, they must check the place of worship and turn off unnecessary electrical equipment.
People need to participate in training courses on knowledge and skills on fire prevention and fighting organized by the police and local authorities; proactively equip at least one portable fire extinguisher for households, and promptly handle fire and explosion incidents.
When a fire breaks out, people quickly alert everyone around them; turn off the power; use initial fire fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers..., and at the same time call the hotline number 114, actively put out the fire and rescue victims.
In temple and pagoda areas, it is necessary to strengthen propaganda and raise awareness of fire prevention and fighting for those serving on site, and broadcast propaganda on loudspeakers so that people who come to worship and pay their respects are aware of fire prevention and fighting.
TB (summary)