A day after a subway fire in South Korea killed at least 125 people, the city's fire control bureau conducted safety checks on fire extinguishers and emergency exits in the city's metro stations.

Operators of Shanghai's three metro lines assured local residents the trains are safe, and systems are in place to prevent such a tragedy from happening in the city.

"The fire in South Korea set off alarms about potential fire risks at local metro stations, which urged us to tighten inspection on underground fireproof facilities," said Shen Youdi, general engineer of the fire bureau, during an inspection at the People's Square Station.

"We are always taking thorough measures to protect against possible disasters, so commuters taking our trains should not worry about safety," said Zhou Huai, general manager of Shanghai Metro Operation Company Ltd.

According to Zhou, every compartment in local metro trains is equipped with two systems of fire extinguishers for emergency use: One is operated with water, the other is operated with gas. The trains are also monitored from each metro station and central control room.

"As soon as the monitoring system detects either smoke or temperatures beyond normal standards, the fire extinguishers will start to work," said Zhou.

In addition, all the materials used on the train and inside the station are not ignitable, he added.

Emergency lighting systems on city subways will stay on even if power to the trains is cut, the metro company said.

Emergency doors at the front of each car enable passengers to escape a train during an accident.

Shen, of the fire bureau, says he still worries about small stores and booths in many local metro stations.

The stations were built to be fire proof, but the stalls are filled with books, clothes, toys and other flammable goods that could stoke a fire.

(eastday.com February 20, 2003)