Being stationed far from the command center and in harsh weather conditions, the unit commander and staff always pay attention to ensuring the safety of warehouses and stations. In particular, fire prevention and fighting is always a top priority, especially in the current hot season.

Together with Lieutenant Colonel Dinh Cong Hai, Deputy Chief of Engineering of the Bac Kan Provincial Military Command, we went to Company 29. Knowing that we were on duty and recognizing our “family members”, Lieutenant Lu Van Huong, who was in charge of guarding, still asked us to sign the entry and exit book. After completing the “procedures” through the gate and walking on the hot concrete road, in front of us, on the left side of the road, water pipes protruded and were installed along the concrete road at a distance of 30m each; upon closer observation, we could see that the fire pipes were fully and scientifically arranged in all important locations.

The Technical Department Commander checked the weapons arrangement at the Company warehouse.

Welcoming us with a firm handshake, Major Hoang Trung Kien, the Company Commander, led us on a tour to better understand the fire prevention and fighting work here. The unit's campus from the drainage to the outside and surrounding areas were cleared of grass, the warehouses and stations were not allowed to contain flammable and explosive materials to create a safety belt. There was a system of sturdy walls and fences around to protect, each warehouse had an anti-explosion embankment, lightning rod, lightning arrester, lighting, and a water system brought to the warehouses to ensure readiness in all situations. Approaching the nearby lightning rod, I read on the red board the resistance indexes, weather conditions, and updated dates clearly annotated.

Entering the warehouse, the boxes containing weapons and equipment were placed in straight rows along the lines; the rows of boxes were placed neatly on sturdy concrete pillars. Captain Nguyen Phu Kiet, his shirt soaked in sweat, was rotating the boxes into the correct position. He paused for a moment and said: “In addition to having to place them in a straight line, we also have to place the correct batch, dose, year of manufacture, the indicators on each box must face outwards for easy monitoring, use and to ensure the highest safety, to prevent fires and explosions from occurring”. Looking up at the ceiling, objects resembling bright red lanterns were hung in a certain order, as if reading that concern, Captain Hoang Trung Kien explained: “Those are fire extinguishers that have the function of self-extinguishing when a fire occurs”. With fully equipped and scientifically arranged fire prevention and fighting equipment, since its establishment, Company 29 has never had a fire or explosion incident.

Weapons Maintenance Company Staff.

Witnessing a hypothetical fire situation in the ammunition warehouse area, the Company Commander gave an alarm, reacting as programmed, the duty officer quickly rang the gong three times in succession, along with the fire alarm signal being issued. From all directions, officers and employees, some holding steel wool, some with sickles, fire extinguishers, and even buckets, buckets, basins, etc., rushed towards the fire to quickly put it out. Quick in every operation, flexible in every action, every situation was handled accurately and skillfully.

After the simulated situation, Major Dang Xuan Diep, his back soaked with sweat, still said cheerfully: “We practice alerting to unexpected situations like this regularly, so all operations and handling capabilities are always smooth and effective. We are always aware that fires and explosions can happen at any time, especially at a time like now, when the weather is getting hotter and hotter, if even a small mistake can easily cause a fire, a small fire if not handled promptly can spread into a large fire, which is very dangerous not only for warehouses and stations but also for human lives. The on-duty teams are always strictly maintained, all fire prevention and fighting plans are always ready.”

Officers and staff of Company 29 coordinated with the provincial police fire prevention and fighting force to practice fire prevention and fighting plans.

Lieutenant Colonel Dinh Cong Hai added: “Every year and periodically in each stage, in addition to planning fire prevention and fighting and training to ensure close to reality, we also closely coordinate with the fire prevention and fighting force of Bac Kan Provincial Police to organize propaganda sessions, practice fire prevention and fighting plans and fire prevention and fighting, ensuring safety of warehouses and stations”.

It is known that the unit also regularly coordinates closely with local authorities and forces stationed in the area to organize propaganda, raise people's understanding and sense of responsibility in implementing regulations on fire prevention and fighting, and forest fires. This is also a way to help the unit build a safe belt for warehouses and stations.

Article and photos: DO KIM TAP