CaliToday (01/12/2025): A significant fire broke out early this morning at the headquarters of the Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (Habeco), located on the bustling Hoang Hoa Tham Street. The incident, which sent thick plumes of black smoke towering over the Ba Dinh district, triggered a swift response from emergency services during the peak morning commute.
The Incident Timeline
The alarm was raised at approximately 5:54 AM on Monday, December 1, 2025, when residents and passersby noticed smoke billowing from the factory complex at 183 Hoang Hoa Tham Street.
According to initial reports, the blaze originated in a two-story administrative building located deep within the factory grounds, about 100 meters from the main road. The fire quickly intensified, feeding on flammable materials within the office block, creating a column of black smoke visible from several kilometers away.
Emergency Response & "Human Interest" Details
Hanoi’s Fire Prevention and Rescue Police (PCCC&CNCH) reacted with impressive speed.
Deployment: At least 5 fire trucks and dozens of firefighters were dispatched to the scene within minutes.
Tactics: Firefighters faced a challenging environment due to the complex’s layout. They deployed water cannons from multiple angles, battling the flames to prevent them from spreading to the nearby production lines and densely populated residential areas in Alley 173 Hoang Hoa Tham.
Witness Accounts: Local residents reported seeing sparks and burning debris drifting towards nearby homes, causing minor damage to electrical lines in the adjacent alley. However, the firewall created by the emergency teams successfully protected these properties.
By 7:30 AM, just as the city’s rush hour was hitting its peak, authorities declared the fire "basically under control," preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss for one of Hanoi’s most iconic brands.
Impact on the City
While the fire was contained within the factory walls, its effects spilled out onto the streets:
Traffic Chaos: As the incident occurred during the Monday morning rush, major congestion was reported on Hoang Hoa Tham, Thuy Khue, and Nguyen Dinh Thi streets. Traffic police were heavily deployed to divert vehicles and clear the way for emergency equipment.
Casualties: Fortunately, authorities have confirmed zero human casualties. The swift evacuation and the early timing of the fire likely contributed to this miraculous outcome.
The "Golden Land" Context
The Habeco factory sits on what real estate experts call "golden land" in the heart of Hanoi. This incident brings renewed attention to the long-standing city plan to relocate major industrial production sites, including Habeco, out of the inner city to reduce environmental risks and traffic pressure.
Current Status
As of this afternoon, the site remains cordoned off as investigators examine the scene to determine the root cause of the blaze. The total property damage is currently being assessed.