Beijing Reports Fewer Fires, Related DeathsBeijing reported fewer fires and fire-related deaths in the first nine months of the year compared with the same period of 1999.There were 3,700 fires in Beijing during the January-September period, which claimed the lives of 26 people, injured 63, and caused over 10.7 million yuan (nearly 1.3 million US dollars) in economic loss. In comparison with last year, the 2000 statistics show 12.2 percent fewer fires, a 21.2 percent drop in fire casualties, and 62.6 percent less economic loss, said Du Zhaogang, vice-director of the fire-fighting bureau of Beijing. However, household fires and car fires have increased, Du warned. Household fires have killed 16 people, or 61.5 percent of all the people who perished in fires in Beijing. Automobile fires caused the most destruction of property, or 4.26 million yuan-worth direct losses, becoming the leading cause to property loss due to fire. |
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