A lot of fire incidents during the Chinese New Year are caused by setting off fireworks. [Photo:Dongguan Times]
100 cases of fire with no casualty and injury have been reported in Dongguan from February 2 to February 8, according to the city's fire department. Setting off fireworks and firecrackers, a Chinese New Year holiday tradition, were the main culprit for this year's rash of fires, the department said.
The incidents caused losses worth 493,000 yuan. 3,774 police and fire fighters across the city were mobilized for the fire control missions. The personnel rescued 43 people and evacuated 251 people. As the Lantern Festival (which falls on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month) is coming next Thursday (Feb. 17), the fire department reminds residents to be aware of fire risks while setting off fireworks to celebrate the festival.
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