Everyday Habits Cause Fire Risks in Vietnam Apartments

People were scared and ran to the corridors to find the source of the smell. Then, they saw black smoke coming from the 18th floor.

Managers opened the door and put out the fire quickly. A clothes dryer had short-circuited and caught fire.

The homeowner, Thanh Vinh, said, 'We're glad no one was hurt, but we're sorry for putting our neighbors in danger.'

The incident was a warning for Vinh and his wife. They used to leave appliances plugged in all the time. The fire cost them over $2,000.

The washing machine and dryer were destroyed in the fire.

This incident is one of many examples for property managers in Vietnam.

Xuan Diep, a manager, often sees near-disasters caused by people bringing old habits to high-rise buildings.

In 2021, Diep's building had a fire emergency when smoke was detected on the 12th floor.

Technicians found a family burning traditional items to ward off bad luck, filling the room with smoke.

A resident was warned for using a charcoal grill on their balcony, causing smoke to spread to other floors.

The smoke triggered an alarm, and hundreds of residents had to evacuate.

Residents often store items in shared hallways, which can block escape routes in an emergency.

A fire was caused by a resident burning charcoal to cook in a luxury apartment in 2019.

Many residents don't realize they're breaking safety rules and putting others in danger.

They often say they did the same things in their old houses without problems.

Another major fire risk is carelessness with electrical equipment.

A robot vacuum started a fire when it got tangled in curtains and overheated.

Unattended stoves are also a hazard. A nanny left a pot boiling on the stove and forgot about it.

The pot was charred, and the alarm sounded. This happened almost every month.

Managers warn against charging electric vehicles and power banks overnight and leaving appliances running in empty apartments.

Some people tamper with fire safety equipment, like propping open fire doors, which can lead to catastrophes.

People often disable fire alarms because they're annoyed by false alarms.

If a fire breaks out, these homes won't have any warning.

Old habits are a problem in high-density living spaces.

Home fires are a big concern in Vietnam. Over 1,500 fires occurred in the first six months of 2026.

A study found that most residents know basic fire safety rules but don't follow them in daily life.

A firefighting drill was held at an apartment complex in Hanoi in 2025.

An expert says modern high-rise risks come from people keeping old habits.

A tragedy occurred at a complex when a resident threw away charcoal embers, which ignited a fire in the trash chute.

A motorcycle fire in a basement escalated quickly because emergency exit doors were propped open.

The smoke killed 13 people and injured many. Experts say human behavior is the key to fire safety.

To overcome dangerous habits, people need education, emergency drills, and personal accountability.

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