Recently, there have been a number of fires and explosions caused by people burning incense, worshiping, and burning votive paper. At about 1:17 p.m. on July 25, 2025, the Hanoi City Police Command Information Center received a report of a fire at a house at 62, Yet Kieu Alley, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi City.
Immediately after receiving the information, the Command Information Center dispatched 2 fire trucks, 1 rescue vehicle and 16 officers and soldiers of the Fire Fighting and Rescue Team No. 7 to the scene.
The fire started from the altar area on the 2nd floor. When the fire was discovered, people shouted and used hand-carried fire extinguishers to put out the fire. The fire did not cause any human casualties, and property damage was insignificant.
To minimize the risk of fire and explosion and ensure fire prevention and fighting safety (PCCC) when burning incense for worship and burning votive offerings, Hanoi City Police recommends:
During the incense burning process, it is necessary to look after the altar, arrange the incense burning place to ensure a safe distance from fire extinguishers; place incense bowls away from flammable objects on the altar to avoid spreading out fire and burning incense all night. Limit keeping many flammable materials and using candles in worship; do not leave the house when the incense on the altar is not turned off.
When burning votive paper, you need someone to look after it; do it in the designated place, away from flammable objects. Do not burn too much, especially gold bars with large volumes. Absolutely do not burn votive paper in prohibited places such as markets, shopping malls, places with concentrated flammable materials... Measures are needed to prevent the fire from spreading.
Use a code gold burning tool made from non-combusible materials such as metal bins (irons, stainless steel), bronze spheres, concrete, brick houses... with a cover to prevent the fire from flying around. After burning, wait for the votive paper to burn down and then use the spring water to ash it.
Electrical equipment on the altar must ensure fire safety, and there must be a power outage to prevent fire incidents.
Strengthen propaganda and raise awareness of fire prevention and fighting for people working and serving at religious and belief establishments (ison, temple, pagoda...). Propagating through the loudspeaker system for visitors to worship to raise awareness of complying with fire prevention and fighting regulations.
Prepare yourself with fire protection equipment such as fire extinguishers, automatic fire alarm systems, wire ladders, demolition tools, and toxic film masks. Equip yourself with knowledge of fire prevention and fighting, skills in using fire fighting and escape equipment in case of fire. Regularly and periodically inspect fire safety within the scope of management; inspect, maintain and service power systems, electrical equipment, tools and fire prevention and fighting - rescue equipment.
