Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Ma Lang quarter (Cau Ong Lanh ward) is one of the densely populated areas with hundreds of small houses, close together, many winding alleys, just enough for a motorbike to travel.
According to Lao Dong, in order to enhance fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) capabilities here, the local government has proactively installed a basic fire protection system including mini fire extinguishers, fire alarm buttons, fire alarm bells and escape direction boards at the main alley intersections. However, concerns still exist in the residential community due to many difficult characteristics of the neighborhood.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Khoa, a long-time resident of Ma Lang area, shared that the local government's attention and installation of fire protection equipment and fire extinguishers is very good, but the small alleys and deep alleys make it difficult for the fire fighting force to access.
"Recently, Ho Chi Minh City has had many serious fires, my family has also opened an escape gate in the house to prevent emergencies.
In the situation where many houses are closed with main doors and windows blocked by iron cages and "tiger cages", having more escape routes in the house is extremely important, helping people proactively escape when a fire occurs," Mr. Khoa added.
Mr. Truong Van Sinh, another resident, also expressed his concern about the sustainability of the newly equipped fire protection system.
"Fire prevention equipment needs to be maintained periodically. If it is broken or not operating at the right time, it is no different. I hope the local government will regularly check and maintain the effectiveness of the system, said Mr. Sinh, hoping for more propaganda and training so that people know how to use it when an incident occurs.
Many people said that Ma Lang neighborhood is still facing many challenges in fire prevention and fighting infrastructure. Installing on-site equipment is an important step, helping to improve initial response capability.
To ensure long-term safety, in addition to regular maintenance, the government needs to coordinate with people in re-planning the escape route, expanding the fire alley and investing in infrastructure development in accordance with the characteristics of crowded urban areas. This is an urgent requirement to minimize the risk of fire and explosion and protect the safety of people's lives and property.
