PHNOM PENH: The National Fire Department released a report this week detailing the number of fire incidents in Cambodia in the first six months of 2023. The report recorded over 500 different fires and 41 deaths.

Director of the National Fire Prevention and Rescue Department, Net Vantha, said that Cambodia has experienced 516 fires so far this year resulting in 41 deaths and 84 injuries. Of the recorded fires, 413 happened in residences and 57 in shops. Speaking at a training session on fire control on July 12, he said that 76 fires were reported in Phnom Penh, 55 in Kandal, 39 in Kampot, 37 in Siem Reap, 35 in Takeo and one in Kep. He confirmed that most of the cases were electric fires at 40.25%.

Net Vantha said that when compared to the same time last year, the country has seen 144 more cases of fire incidents; the first half of 2022 recorded 372 fires. He stressed the need for education on fire management and prevention, especially in regards to training firefighters on how to properly use equipment, provide first aid and evacuate victims.