According to a decision by the Ministry of Public Security and 10 other government departments, the public places to be inspected include public entertainment centers, hotels, shopping centers, markets, hospitals and schools.

The campaign, which began recently and will last until September, will focus on the implementation of the new fire control law by those public places, including the use of fire-proof materials in construction and introduction of fire control facilities.

The campaign is being launched in response to the increasing number of fires across the country, said sources from the Ministry of Public Security.

Nine major accidental fires were reported last year, killing a total of 501 people.

(People’s Daily 05/28/2001)