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China orders fire-safety overhauls after Shanghai blaze

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-18 15:11

BEIJING -- Big Chinese cities are conducting tough fire prevention inspections in the wake of a high-rise fire in Shanghai killing at least 53 people.

The government of Shanghai Wednesday ordered thorough fire-control and work safety inspections across the city to "learn a lesson from the fire," which has been blamed on lax supervision and illegal work practices.

It told all work units to immediately launch inspections, especially of construction sites. Those failing to reach safety requirements must suspend work while improvements are made.

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In addition, authorities in charge of public security, work safety, construction, education, commerce and tourism must visit underground projects, public entertainment venues and densely-populated places to eliminate fire risks, according to the order.

Inspectors are required to report the results of the inspections to their superior authorities by November 25.

Fire prevention facilities will be improved and fire-control training and education will be enhanced, it said.

In Beijing, a mass fire safety inspection was launched Wednesday when the city's top public security official, Fu Zhenghua, led secret inspections of some public sites.

The inspection team detected safety loopholes at Beijing Children's Hospital and in the Parkson Shopping Center. It ordered the two to fix the problems.

Secret inspections will be conducted in other public venues in the city, Fu promised.

Fire-control authorities in Anhui province in East China and Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, have kicked off similar inspections of high-rise buildings and places with large populations to prevent further fires.

The Shanghai blaze erupted Monday afternoon after welding sparks set nylon netting and scaffolding on fire. Many were trapped in their homes in the 28-story building that was being renovated.

"The accident should not have happened. It could have been completely avoided," said Luo Lin, head of the State Administration of Work Safety, which is leading the probe into the tragedy.