China fire mishaps claim 1,100 lives this year

More than 1,100 people have died in over two lakh fire accidents in China in the first half this year, government said today.
The total number of fire accidents in the first half of 2015 exceeded two lakh and claimed lives of 1,109 people, the Ministry of Public Security said.
The ministry said 599 people were injured in these accidents and the direct property losses amounted to 2.22 billion yuan (about USD 360 million).
About 80 per cent of major accidents were caused by human actions or violations of safety rules, while most victims lost their lives due to weak awareness of fire risks and a lack of knowledge on escape routes, the ministry said in a statement.

To reduce fire accidents and casualties, new fire safety education guidelines for offices, schools and households were released today.
According to the proposals, education will help citizens understand fire risks, the appropriate way to raise an alarm,, how to put out a fire and escape when in danger.