“Safety shield” against fire hazards from the grassroots

As the fire and explosion situation still remains complicated, the role of grassroots fire prevention and fighting (FPF) forces is becoming increasingly important. In Dong Nai, this force has grown strongly, becoming an effective on-site “shield”.

Teams from enterprises in central wards of Dong Nai province compete in the contest item “Firefighting pump team with 2 B hoses spraying at target.” Photo: Dang Tung

Equipped with knowledge and skills, they have promptly controlled many incidents, contributing to ensuring community safety.

Following the “4 on-the-spot” motto

As one of the country’s major industrial centers with a dense population, Dong Nai province is facing potential risks of fire and explosion due to the rapid development of industrial zones and residential areas. In this context, building and strengthening FPF forces in enterprises, agencies, schools, and residential areas has become an urgent requirement.

Statistics from the Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police (Ministry of Public Security) show that the development of grassroots FPF forces has brought clear results. According to nationwide statistics in August 2025, 62 out of 269 fires were extinguished thanks to the quick response of on-site forces and residents. Similarly, in the first 6 months of 2025, 480 out of 1,700 fires were handled by on-site forces and residents. These figures prove that the grassroots FPF forces play a key role in controlling initial fires, preventing spread, and minimizing losses of human life and property.

To continuously improve the capacity of grassroots FPF forces, in August and September 2025, the Dong Nai provincial Steering Committee for Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue organized professional inspections and regular firefighting competitions. Contests such as: 300m comprehensive team for firefighting, rescuing people and assets, and Firefighting pump team with 2 B hoses spraying at target have helped the grassroots FPF teams train physical strength, skills, and the ability to coordinate flexibly and effectively in real-life situations. In addition, training and communication activities are continuously implemented, helping team members master escape knowledge and proficiently use firefighting equipment.

According to the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Division of Dong Nai provincial Police, many enterprises in Dong Nai are proactively investing in modern firefighting equipment such as tank trucks and specialized pumps. This not only helps ensure safety for the units themselves but also provides readiness to support professional forces when needed. These efforts have contributed to building a strong grassroots FPF network, creating an effective safety “shield.”

In August 2025, nationwide FPF police forces actively implemented many solutions to ensure fire safety, such as: building incident reporting systems; updating the National Database on Fire Prevention and Fighting; and promoting knowledge and escape skills through QR codes. Especially, the expansion of Fire Safety Inter-family Groups and Public Firefighting Points continues to be promoted, contributing to minimizing fire damage.

Innovation in grassroots fire prevention and fighting

In practice, grassroots FPF forces serve as an “extended arm” supporting professional forces in FPF and rescue work. For these forces to truly promote effectiveness, synchronized solutions are needed, in which regular professional training and close alignment with reality are top priorities.

Training sessions not only convey theory but must be associated with simulated scenarios specific to each industry. For example, wood production enterprises need training in handling wood dust fires, while chemical workshops must practice scenarios of leakage and chemical fires and explosions. This approach helps grassroots forces respond quickly, act according to correct procedures, and minimize damage.

Nguyen Song Toan (worker at Giang Dien industrial zone, Dong Nai province) suggested: Along with training, investing in firefighting equipment for grassroots forces is very urgent. Units need to be fully equipped with automatic firefighting systems and standard protective equipment, far beyond handheld fire extinguishers. Dong Nai should encourage enterprises to proactively invest and support policies to ensure safety and efficiency.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Division, Dong Nai provincial Public Security emphasized: Grassroots FPF forces have the advantage of always being present first and understanding the facilities. Thanks to that, they can quickly organize evacuation, protect assets, and control initial fires. A close coordination with professional forces will help effectively control incidents, minimizing damage to the lowest level.

In addition, many residents also proposed that promoting fire safety awareness in the community plays a fundamental role. A strong grassroots force can only be effective when receiving active cooperation from residents and workers. Each individual needs to become a “FPF soldier” equipped with basic knowledge, knowing how to use fire extinguishers and escape safely.

Hoang Thi Bao Ngoc (resident of Trang Dai ward, Dong Nai province) suggested: The movement titled: All people participate in fire prevention and fighting” needs to be expanded so that FPF becomes a habit. Inspection and supervision must be tightened and violations strictly handled. Thanks to that, grassroots FPF forces in Dong Nai province will contribute to building a safety “shield” from the grassroots, aiming to reduce the risks and damages caused by fire.

By Dang Tung - Translated by Minh Hanh, Thu Ha