The General Office of China's State Council, or the Cabinet, on Tuesday issued a circular, ordering more strict fire control measures to "resolutely" prevent serious fire accidents.

Monday's blaze in an apartment building in Shanghai's downtown area left 53 people dead and more than 70 injured, one of the deadliest recorded fire disasters in the city.

The circular ordered extensive campaigns to inspect and remove fire hazards and to educate the public about fire control, as well as strict implementation of the accountability system for fire accidents.

Besides those directly responsible for serious fire accidents, local government chiefs would also be held accountable, it said.

Police have detained eight people in connection with the deadly blaze.Further, an initial investigation has blamed the disaster on unlicensed welders, some of whom are among the detained.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2010)