Three fires occurred in the capital from October 17-23, causing over 890 million kip in damage, according to the Vientiane Prevention and Protection Police Department.
Deputy Head of the department, Major Sisouvang Xaysouthep, told Vientiane Times on Monday that the fires engulfed three houses, an apartment building and a kindergarten.
The first fire occurred on October 17 in Somsanga village, Xaysettha district, where a house burned down after the owner lit candles to mark the end of Lent. The blaze caused damage estimated at over 800 million kip. The concrete and timber one-storey house was owned by Mr. Soukthavy, 38.
The police and Vientiane Rescue deployed two fire trucks to bring the blaze under control, saying the fire took hold very quickly as many of the items stored inside were highly flammable. It took fire fighters about two hours to completely extinguish the flames.
The second fire occurred on October 21, when a house owned by Mr. Teuanchai, 46, in Chansavang village, Sikhottabong district, burned down and the flames spread to a house owned by Mr. Vilavong, 60.
Major Sisouvang said 10 fire control personnel were called to the scene and were able to put out the fire before it spread further. The wooden house owned by Mr. Teuanchai was destroyed, while the concrete house next door was only partially damaged.
The fire caused losses estimated at 92 million kip.
The third incident occurred on October 22 when a teachers’ apartment building in Sailom village, Chanthabouly district, burned down and the flames spread to a kindergarten.
Police said four families were living in the apartment. The first floor was made of concrete while the second floor was made of wood.
The apartment building was destroyed while the kindergarten was partly damaged.
Police and other authorities are currently investigating the causes of these fires and assessing the cost of damages.
In a bid to prevent further fires, Major Sisouvang called on the public to exercise greater care concerning potential fire hazards. He urged residents to check electrical devices before leaving home, to take care when burning rubbish, and not to let children play with fire.
He also repeated a warning for people to be on their guard against accidental fires and not to take risks with electrical wiring or appliances, or to leave burning candles unattended.
Source: Vientiane Times
