Ho Chi Minh City urges residents to remove ‘tiger cages’ in door-to-door fire safety push

While meant to provide safety, these structures have become deadly traps in fire emergencies. 

Following a fire on July 6 at Doc Lap apartment complex in Phu Tho Hoa Ward, which claimed eight lives, local authorities have begun going door to door, urging residents to remove or modify these iron 'cages' to allow for emergency exits.

On July 12, all 33 teams under the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department (PC07) of the Ho Chi Minh City Police, in coordination with local authorities, launched a campaign to promote fire safety and encourage residents to dismantle 'tiger cages' at apartment complexes, residential blocks, and houses across the city.

As part of the campaign, PC07 officers will carry out weekend outreach not only at homes with iron-barred enclosures but also at properties with advertising boards, signage, or coverings that block emergency exits.

This effort will continue regularly until the city achieves its goal of becoming 'tiger cage-free.'

Residents welcome tiger cage removal

On July 13, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters followed the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police of Area 17 under PC07, along with local authorities, as they visited A4 Phan Xich Long apartment building in Cau Kieu Ward to call on residents to remove or modify their 'tiger cages' and ensure emergency escape routes.

“I’ve seen many fire incidents in the news where people had no escape route, which is extremely dangerous and life-threatening,” said Truong Van Dung, 62, a resident of the apartment building.

“While these bars may protect property from theft, protecting lives is far more important.

“I will remove the iron bars today to ensure there is an escape route in case of fire."

Officers also assisted Vo Khanh Bang, 41, who lives in Block D of the building, to remove the iron enclosure immediately.

“After being informed and encouraged by the authorities, I realized it’s time to remove these facilities so our homes don’t become invisible traps,” Bang said.

A representative from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police of Area 17 said in the coming period, the team will coordinate with relevant agencies to step up fire safety and rescue skills education among both individuals and organizations in the area.

Households will also be encouraged to equip themselves with appropriate firefighting and rescue tools in accordance with regulations.

Meanwhile, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police of Area 2 carried out a similar operation at Binh Trung apartment building in Binh Trung Ward.

Bui Thi Thuy Tien, 46, who has lived at the building for 20 years, agreed to have her apartment’s 'tiger cage' dismantled immediately after being advised by the authorities.

However, on the ground floors of Blocks A and D at the same apartment complex, some residents have illegally occupied corridors and atriums as parking areas, posing a fire hazard and obstructing emergency escape routes.

Lieutenant Colonel Dao Hong Khanh, deputy head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police of Area 2, said that each household should proactively prepare escape plans for family members, especially the elderly and young children, in the event of a fire.

As a case in point, families should identify alternative escape routes beyond the main door, such as balconies or rooftops; keep door keys in a visible, easily accessible place known to all household members; and prepare tools such as ladders, rope ladders, hammers, bolt cutters, and crowbars.