China's Ministry of Public Security has dispatched four inspection groups to identify fire risks during the annual sessions of the country's top legislature and top political advisory body, the ministry said Thursday.

The 20-day inspection campaign, which is to be concluded on March 15, would focus on session venues, the participants' restaurants and the media center, the ministry said in a report posted on its website.

Crowded public venues within 200 meters of the venues would also be targeted, the report said.

The inspection groups would also go to Beijing's neighboring provincial-level regions to conduct checks on companies responsible for supplying water, electricity, oil, gas and heat for the capital.

Local fire brigades should ensure their equipment and fire engines were well maintained, and emergency plans could be carried out successfully, according to the report.

The ministry urged police nationwide to ensure security for the annual national sessions late last month.

Police in seven neighboring provincial-level regions have been asked to maintain social stability and reinforce checks on vehicles, flights and trains entering the city from March 1 to 15.

The annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) and that of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2010)