Vietnam’s New Fire Prevention Plan: Can Technology Cut Rising Fire Deaths?
National call for improved fire prevention and rescue
Nhan Dan has reported that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged a nationwide effort to strengthen fire prevention, disaster response, and rescue capacity.
The Prime Minister made the call during a dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City on 14 August with businesses and officials, organised by the Ministry of Public Security.
The meeting marked the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Public Security Force and the 20th anniversary of the All People’s Security Safeguard Festival.
According to Nhan Dan, PM Chinh said that reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses from fires requires both coordinated leadership and faster implementation of planned schemes.
He noted the long record of service of Vietnam’s firefighting and rescue police, describing them as the main operational force protecting public safety during fire and emergency incidents.
Use of science and technology in fire safety
The Prime Minister said that Vietnam must expand its use of science, technology, and innovation to strengthen firefighting and rescue operations.
He added that big data, artificial intelligence, and smart systems should be developed and applied to improve capacity.
PM Chinh also called for more international partnerships to gain access to advanced equipment and expertise.
He explained that Vietnam should produce its own fire prevention and firefighting technologies and issue manuals and guidance for both fire and disaster response.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, the country recorded more than 17,600 fires over the last five years, resulting in 560 deaths, 606 injuries, and around 4 trillion VND (153.8 million USD) in damages.
Fire and rescue police role recognised
During his remarks, the Prime Minister said that Vietnam’s firefighting and rescue police have made major contributions over the past six decades.
He described them as central to the state’s public security apparatus.
PM Chinh said: “The firefighting and rescue police force is the core force on the front line against the fire enemy and an integral part of the nation’s public security apparatus.”
Secutech+ Vietnam opens in Ho Chi Minh City
On the same day, the Prime Minister attended the opening of Secutech+ Vietnam, described by Nhan Dan as the country’s largest professional security exhibition.
The show featured 480 domestic and international brands from Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and China.
Exhibitors displayed a wide range of systems and devices including fire pumps, escape equipment, smoke extraction systems, fire alarms, hazardous substance detectors, firefighting robots, and drones.
The exhibition also featured passive fire protection measures such as fire doors and resistant coatings, along with firefighting suits and other protective gear.
Prime minister’s message at security exhibition
In his opening speech, the Prime Minister welcomed the role of the exhibition in aligning Vietnam’s fire prevention and security sectors with current standards.
He said: “The exhibition will raise public awareness, spark practical solutions, and advance Vietnam’s fire and rescue efforts.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The Prime Minister’s call for stronger fire prevention measures demonstrates an official commitment to reducing deaths and economic losses from fire in Vietnam.
For fire safety professionals, the government’s emphasis on science, technology, and international partnerships signals potential opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The opening of Secutech+ Vietnam also highlights the importance of exhibitions in showcasing both active and passive fire protection systems, as well as protective equipment, which are relevant to manufacturers, service providers, and training organisations.
Vietnam prime minister calls for stronger fire prevention measures: Summary
Nhan Dan reported that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged a national effort to strengthen fire prevention, disaster control, and rescue operations.
He made the remarks at a dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City on 14 August, held by the Ministry of Public Security.
The Prime Minister said Vietnam should expand use of science and technology, including AI and big data, for fire safety.
He also called for developing domestic fire prevention and firefighting technologies and publishing guidance documents.
The Ministry of Public Security reported 17,600 fires in five years with 560 deaths, 606 injuries, and 4 trillion VND in damage.
PM Chinh recognised the firefighting and rescue police as central to the country’s public security.
Earlier the same day, he attended the opening of Secutech+ Vietnam, described as the nation’s largest professional security exhibition.
The show included 480 domestic and foreign brands with products such as pumps, smoke extraction, fire doors, robots, drones, and protective gear.
The Prime Minister said the event would help raise public awareness and advance fire and rescue efforts.
Source: IFSJ. (August 18, 2025). Vietnam’s new fire prevention plan: can technology cut rising fire deaths?. 27 Jan, 2026.