Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Force (October 4, 1961 - October 4, 2026) and the 25th anniversary of the National Fire Prevention and Rescue Day (October 4, 2001 - October 4, 2026): Harnessing the people's strength in fire prevention and firefighting.

Focus on prevention at the grassroots level.

Immediately after their establishment on September 30th, 47 Civilian Fire Prevention and Rescue Teams in residential areas of Tay Nha Trang ward began their duties. Team members are equipped with specialized helmets, boots, gloves, and uniforms. This demonstrates the local government's concern for the firefighting force in the residential area. Mr. Nguyen Chi Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Nha Trang ward, said: “Tay Nha Trang ward has a large area, a large population, and vibrant daily life, business, and service activities, posing potential risks of fire and explosions. Recognizing that fire prevention and rescue is a key task to protect the lives, health, and property of the people and the State, contributing to ensuring security and order for socio-economic development, the local government always pays close attention to its implementation.”

The provincial police organized a fire fighting, rescue, and relief drill at Phu Thinh apartment building (Dong Hai ward).

Playing a core role, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police force of the Provincial Public Security Department has closely coordinated with departments, agencies, the Fatherland Front, localities, and mass organizations to promote the movement of "All citizens participate in fire prevention and control." A series of solutions have been implemented synchronously, from diversifying forms of propaganda and skills education to launching practical movements such as "My house has a fire extinguisher," and "Open a second emergency escape route." Civil defense and grassroots fire prevention and control forces have been continuously strengthened, professionally trained, and equipped with necessary equipment.

According to the head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Public Security, as of July 2026, the entire province had established and maintained 694 fire safety neighborhood groups and 669 public fire fighting points. These models contribute to concretizing the "four on-the-spot" principle. Particularly in old urban areas, narrow alleys, or residential areas combining production and business, the fire safety neighborhood groups and public fire fighting points play a crucial role in supporting functional forces. Thanks to the proactive efforts of residents and readily available resources, many newly arising fire and explosion incidents are detected and handled promptly, limiting the risk of fire spreading and large-scale fires.

Launch ceremony of the Tay Nha Trang Ward Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Team.

To make the movement more substantive.

Despite positive results, the effectiveness of self-managed fire prevention and control models in some areas remains uneven. In some localities, implementation is sometimes heavily focused on achieving targets, neglecting the importance of maintaining regular operation. Fire drills, inspections, and periodic maintenance of equipment are not carried out seriously; the participation of some residents remains merely superficial.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Khuy, Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of the Provincial Police, stated that the model of neighborhood fire safety teams and public fire fighting points is necessary and suitable for the current urban characteristics. However, for the model to be effective, it cannot be implemented haphazardly. In the coming time, the police force will coordinate with local authorities to review, evaluate, and classify all models. Effective models will continue to be strengthened and expanded; weak models that do not meet practical requirements will be adjusted or eliminated. In reality, in areas where local authorities pay attention, and the civil defense force and commune/ward police closely monitor the area, the fire prevention and control movement is implemented effectively.

The neighborhood fire safety team of Nha Trang ward is practicing fire fighting procedures.

To ensure the sustainable development of the nationwide fire prevention and control movement and to make it a regular part of people's awareness, the Provincial Police are focusing on implementing solutions, prioritizing the application of technology and tangible results. The police force will strengthen the application of information technology, effectively utilizing digital platforms, social networks, the electronic portal, and the "Fire Alarm 114" application. Guidance on fire prevention and control and evacuation skills will be digitized into short videos and visually appealing graphics that are easy to understand and remember, contributing to improved accessibility for citizens and the business community. Simultaneously, emphasis will be placed on guiding heads of establishments and business owners to self-inspect fire safety, develop and practice fire fighting plans.

In addition, the Provincial Police continue to innovate professional training for grassroots fire prevention and fighting forces, ensuring they have sufficient capacity to handle situations as soon as incidents arise; proposing that authorities at all levels provide financial support for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of damaged equipment at public fire fighting points; and developing a set of criteria for periodic evaluation of each model at the grassroots level. Through this, the aim is to gradually shift from a passive response mindset to a proactive prevention mindset; making compliance with fire prevention and fighting regulations a conscious effort of each individual and organization. Simultaneously, the Provincial Police continue to coordinate with local security and order protection forces, promptly commending and rewarding collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements, and replicating effective practices.

The people's consensus and the decisive involvement of the entire political system contribute to building a safe living environment, creating conditions for sustainable socio-economic development in the new situation.

JACKIE CHAN