Firemen prepare for upcoming key party meeting

The Beijing fire department has been asked to ensure no fire casualties during the upcoming key party session, said the Ministry of Public Security here on Thursday.

The ministry will also try its best to prevent any major fires across the country during the third plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee, which is scheduled to be held between Nov. 9 and 12 in Beijing, said a statement from the ministry's fire division.

Fire control and security during the session are the top priority, the statement said.

The Beijing fire department will step up security checks on key institutions such as water and power supply, it said, adding that fire departments should closely monitor venues where crowds gather, such as department stores, theaters, stations, hospitals and factories.

They should supervise owners and other government departments to fully exercise their security duties, it said.

Firemen will step up patrols in session venues and launch special operations to prevent damage to firefighting devices, blockages of fire passages and illegal installation of billboards.

Firemen are also asked to meet the fire control goals during the annual session of the National People's Congress, to be held in March next year.