Beijing police beef up security, fire prevention for Spring Festival

Beijing's public security bureau has reinforced security and fire safety during the week-long Spring Festival starting Thursday.


The bureau said the police would target bustling downtown areas, temple fairs and public transport terminals, and has mobilized 700,000 volunteers for street patrols.

The bureau has checked 5,700 fire risks, treated 560 tonnes of inflammable waste and arrested 1,700 suspects for various criminal offenses ahead of the festival.

During the fire prevention campaign, 2.6 million people have been mobilized to take part in cleaning. The fire department has also watered sites for fireworks as the capital is experiencing its longest dry spell in 47 years, recording 115 consecutive days without "effective precipitation" as of Wednesday.

The fire department said that the city would have 122 mass activities during the festival, ranging from temple fairs to snow sport festivals, which will be closely watched for fire risks.
 (chinamedia)
 15/2/18