On the morning of November 29, with 448/450 delegates present in favor, the National Assembly passed the Law on Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue. The law consists of 55 articles and will take effect from July 1, 2025.

Notably, the newly passed law stipulates that houses in centrally-run cities in areas that do not have adequate traffic infrastructure or water sources for fire fighting must be equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarm transmission equipment connected to the database system on fire prevention, fire fighting, rescue, and fire alarm transmission according to the roadmap prescribed by the Government.

For houses in other areas, it is recommended to equip fire alarm transmission equipment, connected to the database system on fire prevention, fire fighting, rescue, and fire alarm transmission.

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National Assembly deputies press the button to pass the law. Photo: National Assembly

Before the law was passed, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Security Le Tan Toi said that housing in urban areas had very high population density, was cramped, in alleys and deep lanes, and did not ensure traffic infrastructure or water sources for fire fighting according to the provisions of law and technical standards in fire prevention and fighting activities, mainly in large cities (cities directly under the Central Government) and due to previous planning and construction history.

To protect people's lives and property, ensure feasibility and suitability with current socio -economic conditions of localities, the National Assembly Standing Committee proposed that the National Assembly stipulate mandatory equipment of fire extinguishers and fire alarm transmission equipment according to the roadmap prescribed by the Government for houses in areas that do not ensure traffic infrastructure or water sources for fire fighting in 5 centrally-run cities.

As for houses in other areas, it is recommended to install fire alarm equipment.

There is a proposal to add a provision on fire prevention for houses after their functions are converted to business purposes such as karaoke, bars, and dance clubs. Regarding this content, Mr. Le Tan Toi said that houses that want to convert their functions such as karaoke, bars, and dance clubs must follow the process of converting functions and renovating houses according to the provisions of the law on construction.

In case a house is converted into a facility (subject to fire prevention and fighting management), it must ensure fire safety conditions for the facility as prescribed by law. On the other hand, the law has stipulated the prohibition of converting or adding functions to the use of works or construction items that do not ensure fire safety. Therefore, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly proposed that the National Assembly not add this provision.

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Chairman of the National Defense and Security Committee Le Tan Toi presented and accepted the draft law. Photo: National Assembly

There is a proposal to add a regulation that agencies, organizations, and families must bear a portion of the costs of firefighting when the fire prevention and fighting force conducts firefighting for their agencies, organizations, and families. The Chairman of the National Defense and Security Committee said that firefighting is a part of the task of protecting security and order, and the State ensures the budget for the forces according to the provisions of law.

When a fire or explosion occurs, agencies, organizations, and families have suffered certain losses in terms of human life and property. If additional regulations are added that agencies, organizations, and families must bear part of the costs when the fire prevention and fighting force carries out firefighting for their agencies, organizations, and families, it will increase the difficulties for people after suffering losses in terms of human life and property in the fire.

To comply with the provisions of the law on security and order and to demonstrate humanity in the provisions of the law, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly proposes that the National Assembly not add this provision.

Clearly define the list of mandatory fire and explosion insurance purchases to avoid abuse.

Clearly define the list of mandatory fire and explosion insurance purchases to avoid abuse.

Delegate Pham Van Hoa suggested that there should be a specific list of establishments that must purchase compulsory fire and explosion insurance to avoid "abusing the list too much, forcing establishments to purchase fire and explosion insurance".
Proposal to equip firefighting aircraft and firefighting coats for fire police

Proposal to equip firefighting aircraft and firefighting coats for fire police

Many National Assembly deputies proposed equipping firefighting forces with aircraft, fire-fighting motorcycles, smoke masks, and fire-fighting coats to improve firefighting efficiency in urban areas.
Proposal to equip aircraft and modern vehicles for fire prevention and fighting

Proposal to equip aircraft and modern vehicles for fire prevention and fighting

National Assembly delegates pointed out that there are areas where firefighting is difficult, fire trucks cannot enter, and hydrants cannot reach the fire site, so it is necessary to equip aircraft and modern vehicles to overcome the problem.