The fires injured 163 people during the period and caused a total loss of VND1.59 trillion (USD72 million). 

Around 3,000 fires were reported across Vietnam in the first nine months of this year

The fires dropped 295 cases compared to the same period of last year, while the loss fell by VND199 billion.

A fire at Hai Yen Industrial Park in Quang Ninh Province caused record losses of VND350 billion. It was followed by the incident at Duyen Hai 3 thermal power plant which caused VND105 billion in damages.

The fire at Carina Plaza apartment building in HCM City in March left 13 dead and 51 people injured.

Between January and September, the country saw 24 explosions, killing five and injuring 24, accounting for VND388 billion in losses.

Most of the places which saw fires had failed fire safety regulations. Many people lacked basic fire safety awareness.