The most read Vietnamese newspaper
Edition: International | Vietnamese
© Copyright 1997 VnExpress.net. All rights reserved.
Originally from the northern province of Hai Duong, Thuy, 26, currently lives in a 15-square-meter room in a tube house that’s almost certainly a huge fire risk.
The property is located along a slim alley, barely passable by two motorcycles, on Nguyen Khang street in the capital’s Cau Giay district. She has been renting the space for two years.
"The house is 500 meters away from the main road, which complicates firefighter access in the event of a fire," she explained.
Thuy and other renters have made several requests for the installation of wireless fire alarms and emergency exits, but the landlord has not approved them. The landlord also flouts fire safety rules by using empty fire extinguisher cases to mislead authorities, justifying this by saying: "The renters are all responsible people, so why waste money."
This negligence prompted Thuy to consider moving, but with rising rental costs and proximity to her workplace, she was hesitant.
 |
|
Thuy’s rental is situated in a narrow alley on Nguyen Khang street, in Hanoi’s Cau Giay district. Photo courtesy of Thuy |
Thuy’s worries are fueled by recent tragic Hanoi house fires, including one on Trung Kinh street in Cau Giay district on the early morning of May 24, which resulted in 14 deaths, and one in a mini apartment complex on Khuong Ha street in Thanh Xuan district in September last year, which claimed 56 lives.
Data from the Ministry of Public Security reveals that over five years up to 2022, more than 17,000 fires broke out nationwide, resulting in 433 fatalities. Urban areas witnessed 60% of these incidents, with 45% attributed to electrical system and equipment failures.
In just the first four months of 2023, the country recorded 522 fires, causing 46 deaths and injuries, making an average rate of more than four incidents daily. Many resulted in substantial life and property losses in tube houses, townhouses, mixed-use buildings, warehouses, and factories.
Having rented in Hanoi for 15 years, Huong Mai, who now resides in Thanh Xuan district, is haunted by memories of fires in tight alleys. Despite this, the 30-year-old continues to rent in such locations for their relative affordability.
"It’s also convenient here, close to markets and schools," she noted, adding that she and her husband are trying to save to buy a home as their son starts first grade this year, so they need to save extra money.
Since her landlord refuses to invest in fire safety due to the perceived improbability of use, Mai has equipped her family with gas masks, fire extinguishers, escape ladders, and hammers for breaking windows.
However, she acknowledges that these tools are only effective if a fire is detected early. In cases where detection is delayed, leading to smoke inhalation or clothing catching fire, escape becomes challenging.
Vietnamese regulations require the installation of fire safety equipment in various building types and construction projects.
Most residential constructions must undergo fire safety design reviews before occupancy, while smaller projects are not required to seek approval but are encouraged to comply with fire safety standards to ensure safety during leasing.
Non-compliance with fire safety equipment installation can lead to fines ranging from VND15-25 million (US$589-$982) for individuals, and double that for organizations.
 |
|
Remains of the fire at a house on Trung Kinh street, Hanoi’s Cau Giay district, on the early morning of May 24, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy |
Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, vice president of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, believes the enforcement and inspection processes for fire safety are insufficiently strict, endangering many.
Discussing why many still choose to rent or buy in such alleys despite concerns over fire safety, Nghiem mentioned that the cost of such properties aligns with the average worker’s income. These homes are also typically located in central districts, which is convenient for commuting, work, and education.
Additionally, despite the fire hazards, many residents remain indifferent, focusing more on preventing theft than on fire safety.
A 2023 VnExpress survey of over 1,000 participants revealed that when asked whether their houses have fire safety equipment and an escape plan, 36% were "planning to equip" their homes with fire safety gear, while 13% considered it "unnecessary" and had no intention of doing so.
Upon discovering his 23-year-old daughter was renting a room in an alley on Duong Quang Ham street in Hanoi’s Cau Giay district, Quoc Toan from the northern city of Hai Phong immediately purchased a 10-meter escape ladder, gas masks, and fire extinguishers to facilitate her escape from the third-floor balcony in case of fire or explosion.
 |
|
Many cramped rental rooms and rooms in deep alleys in central districts of Hanoi continue to attract tenants with their low prices, despite the lack of fire safety equipment. Illustration photo by VnExpress/Quynh Nguyen |
In addition to fire safety gear, Toan also bought wrenches and iron pipes and taught his daughter how to break window bars and glass in emergencies, believing this to be the simplest and quickest method even for those less physically strong.
"I’ve bought everything I could to prevent fires," said the 49-year-old. "I’m just concerned that if a fire breaks out at night, it could be extremely dangerous since my daughter might be deeply asleep and not detect it in time."
He has advised his daughter to consider moving, but the proximity to her university and the market causes her to delay, saying she will think about moving after graduating.
To ensure tenants feel secure during their stay, Nguyen Van Dinh, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors, suggests that authorities rigorously inspect and monitor constructions to prevent unauthorized building.
"When there is demand [for accommodations in alleys], there will always be supply," he remarked. "But instead of halting these buildings’ operations while waiting for them to equip sufficient safety devices, which could lead to a housing shortage and inadvertently increase prices, authorities should supervise and act decisively from the beginning."
Following the May 24 Trung Kinh fire and her landlord’s persistent neglect in providing fire prevention equipment, Thuy is now looking for a two-bedroom apartment with a budget of VND7.5 million per month, which she plans to share with a roommate to lessen expenses.
"Apartment buildings generally have uniform fire safety systems that are regularly inspected, providing a better chance of survival and escape in case of incidents," she stated.
