Guarantee fire, railway security for CPC congress

The Ministry of Public Security on Monday vowed to guarantee fire safety during the upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Fire departments at all levels must reinforce an overhaul of congress venues, fully equip duty officers and ensure a sound environment for the event, according to a statement issued after the ministry's meeting on Monday.

The ministry urged fire authorities to ensure extinguishment equipment is in good condition and conduct fire drills ahead of the congress in places of high population and in major institutions such as petrochemical enterprises.

The current fire situation across the country remains stable, according to the statement. Deadly fire accidents have declined since June, after which no "extremely serious" fire accident has been reported.

But the task for fire prevention and control remains arduous as the fireproofing of Chinese facilities is still weak and many potential fire hazards haven't been cleared up, said the statement.

Also on Monday, railway security organs nationwide were urged to reinforce security checks over luggage and passengers, to guard against flammables and explosives being taken on trains, according to the railway security office.

Moreover, all organs should toughen inspections of key suspects and suspicious objects, and strengthen patrolling and video monitoring, in order to avoid hidden dangers during the congress.

The 18th National Congress of the CPC will start on Nov. 8.