Fire Incidents in Hanoi Raise Concerns Over Electrical Safety Amid Scorching Summer

Two separate fires broke out at apartment buildings in Hanoi this morning, both linked to electrical devices, sparking renewed concerns about fire safety as electricity usage surges during the ongoing heatwave.

The first incident occurred around 8:45 AM at the 14th floor of HH4A Linh Đàm, a 35-storey apartment building in Hoàng Mai District with nearly 2,000 residents. According to local authorities, the fire originated from the outdoor unit of an air conditioner placed on the balcony and quickly spread into the adjacent bedroom.

Upon hearing the fire alarm, residents evacuated via stairwells. Fortunately, the building’s fire safety team managed to extinguish the blaze before fire trucks from Hoàng Mai District arrived.

No injuries were reported, though the apartment sustained significant damage to furniture and belongings.

Roughly an hour later, another fire was reported at Eurowindow River Park, a 33-floor apartment tower located in Đông Anh District near Đông Trù Bridge. The fire started on the 19th floor of Tower A, reportedly from the bedroom area. Residents said the fire alarm did not go off, and evacuation only began after heavy smoke was visibly seen from the unit.

The local fire response unit managed to contain the fire before professional firefighters arrived. Again, no casualties were recorded, but the affected apartment suffered considerable property loss.

Authorities Urge Caution as Heat Intensifies

With summer temperatures climbing across northern Vietnam, electricity demand is peaking, particularly due to air conditioner use. Vietnam’s Meteorological Agency has issued warnings about increased fire risks in residential areas during the hot season.

Safety Tips for Foreign Residents in Hanoi:

• Avoid overloading electrical circuits or using substandard power strips.
• Place air conditioning units in well-ventilated spaces and keep them maintained.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, especially before leaving home.
• Ensure smoke detectors and fire alarms in your apartment are functional.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and building evacuation procedures.

Vietnamese authorities are urging all residents—including foreign nationals living in Hanoi—to be especially vigilant about electrical safety and to report any malfunctioning fire safety systems to building management.

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Source: Vietnam Insider