Three firework explosions took place in north China's Hebei Province on Thursday and Friday, killing nine people in total and raising concerns over safety as the Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year, draws near. 

All the three explosions were caused by illegal production of fireworks.

One blast taking place at around 11:40 AM on Thursday in Hengshui City killed two people and left another seriously injured.

Another explosion happened at around 1:30 PM on Thursday in Xingtai City, killing wife and son of the illegal firework producer Li Xinhua.

Five others were killed in the third explosion in Dingzhou City at around 8:10 AM on Friday.

Hebei Provincial Administration of Production Safety issued a notice Saturday demanding stepped-up efforts to ensure safety in local firework production and a smooth celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2005)