A devastating fire erupted in a shopping complex in Zigong, a city in southwestern China, on the evening of July 17, 2024, leading to the loss of 16 lives. The fire originated in a 14-story commercial structure, leading to a quick response from firefighters and rescue teams who managed to rescue 75 individuals. Officials speculate that the fire might have been caused by construction activities, but the definitive cause is still being determined.
The fire began a little after 6 p.m. in the busy complex, which features a department store, offices, eateries, and a cinema. As per state media, the fire rapidly spread through the lower floors, resulting in thick black smoke pouring from the windows and engulfing the entire building.
Footage on social media depicted the intense scene with flames reaching towards the sky as firefighters fought the fire using water hoses and drones.
Li Wanyu, a resident who was shopping in the mall’s underground grocery store when the fire started, recalled her experience saying, “At first, I thought it was just a drill when the staff started evacuating us,” she said. “I didn’t realize what was happening right away. I felt confused rather than scared and exited the building with everyone else.”
Firefighters and rescue teams worked relentlessly to contain the fire and evacuate those trapped in the building. Despite their determined efforts, it took almost 10 hours to put out the fire. Local media reported that 75 people were rescued during the operation.
The fire in Zigong is another incident in a concerning rise of fire accidents in China. Li Wanfeng, a representative for the National Fire and Rescue Administration, recorded a 19% increase in fire-related deaths in the early months of this year compared to the previous year. “There’s been a 40% increase in fires in public places like hotels and restaurants with the primary causes being electrical or gas line malfunctions and negligence,” Li noted.
In January, a fire ignited by unauthorized welding in a commercial building’s basement in Jiangxi province claimed 39 lives. In February, another fire in a residential building in Nanjing caused by an electric bike in an adjoining parking lot resulted in the death of 15 people.
Fire risks continue to be a significant problem in China, with systemic issues contributing to the problem. Factors such as ineffective and corrupt inspection offices, influential property managers overlooking safety violations, and the pressure for rapid economic growth often compromise fire safety rules. The 1998 Fire Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, revised to include detailed guidelines on inspections and enforcement, still lacks mechanisms for effective implementation at the local and provincial levels.
The Chinese government has made attempts to enhance fire safety, including integrating fire control plans into urban planning, mandating rigorous fire control design reviews and approvals for construction projects, and requiring fire safety inspections for public venues prior to opening. Despite these steps, they have not been enough to curb the rising number of fire incidents.