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China reports 3,190 fires around Tomb-sweeping Day

Xinhua, April 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

A total of 3,190 fires broke out during the recent Tomb-sweeping Day holiday, when Chinese traditionally pay tribute to the dead by burning joss sticks and paper money.

Statistics from the Ministry of Public Security show that from April 1 to Monday, no severe fires in which more than five people were killed were reported.

Compared with previous holidays, the situation this year was described as "normal" by the ministry.

The ministry has urged local fire control bureaus to increase their scrutiny of public cemeteries, temples, historical buildings and other crowded public places to identify fire hazards and prevent major fires during the festival, which fell on April 4 this year.

During the holiday, police nationwide responded to 6,083 reports and rushed to rescue 914 people in danger.

In addition, the ministry asked police nationwide to make sure the public is informed about fire safety by sending safety-themed text messages and putting up warning banners in public venues.

Nearly 13.4 million Chinese visited 150 major cemeteries to honor their deceased relatives during the Tomb-Sweeping holiday, which ended Monday, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said. Endi