HO CHI MINH CITY – In the wake of a recent tragic fire that resulted in multiple casualties, fire and rescue authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have launched an urgent campaign urging residents to dismantle hazardous security modifications on their homes.
The initiative targets the ubiquitous iron cages and enclosures, known locally as "chuồng cọp" or "tiger cages," commonly found on the windows and balconies of older apartment buildings throughout the city.
The move comes as a direct response to a recent deadly blaze where escape routes were blocked and rescue efforts were severely hampered by these very structures. Officials are now actively visiting old apartment complexes to persuade residents to remove the cages, emphasizing the critical need for clear escape paths in case of an emergency.
"These 'tiger cages,' while installed for security against theft, become death traps during a fire," an official from the Fire and Rescue Police Department stated. "They prevent residents from escaping and make it incredibly difficult for our firefighters to access the building and rescue those trapped inside."
The campaign focuses on raising awareness about the life-threatening dangers these cages pose. Firefighters are meeting directly with building management boards and residents, distributing safety pamphlets, and explaining how a simple security measure can have catastrophic consequences. The ultimate goal is to convince residents that the risk to their lives in a fire far outweighs the security benefits of the cages.
