Campaign uncovers fire risks in public places

BEIJING - China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has added 163 public places, including hotels, markets and schools, to a blacklist for high fire risk.

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According to the fire department of the MPS, fire risks were found in a nationwide fire safety campaign launched in May. It said 69 of the total sites inspected, or some 42 percent, were markets, while 23 sites were hospitals and schools.

During the campaign, fire safety inspectors found problems such as blockage of fire access lanes, malfunction of fire alarms and water sprinkler systems, and use of flammable materials in construction.

Old buildings that have not been repaired for years also carry many fire risks, according to the MPS.

In July, the ministry also released a blacklist detailing 150 public places that do not meet fire safety requirements.