Fireworks on new year eve sparks over 800 fires in China

Traditional display of fireworks to celebrate lunar new year set off over 800 fires all over China, causing an estimated loss of USD 1.1 million, injuring 25 people in the capital alone. According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security released, a total of 839 fires were reported nationwide yesterday, on the eve of the Year of the Snake. The fires led to direct economic losses of more than 6.9 million yuan (USD 1.1 million) it said. Public security authorities at all levels carried out joint inspections during peak hours to examine more than 130,000 fire-prone areas, the ministry said. Chinese custom calls for setting off large amounts of fireworks during the Spring Festival holiday in order to fend off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. The municipal government of Beijing said sales of fireworks have dropped this year, as residents, already suffering from the impact of days of severe smog, restrained themselves from purchasing them. Fireworks injured 25 people and triggered 83 fire-related emergencies, down by 28.6 per cent and 44.6 per cent, respectively, from the same period last year, a statement from the Beijing Office on Fireworks and Firecrackers, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.