Hanoi’s fire‑rescue police say automated alarm communication devices are slashing the “golden time” between a blaze and the first emergency response.
Key points
- As of October 2026, 57,578 Hanoi establishments agreed to install fire‑alarm communication devices, with 6,918 already deployed.
- The automated system sends fire‑alarm signals, location data and facility details directly to rescue authorities, cutting notification delays.
- Business leaders report increased confidence in fire safety, but officials warn the technology supplements—not replaces—traditional fire‑prevention measures.
Under the motto of proactive prevention, early detection and timely handling, Firefighting and Rescue Team No. 12 of the Hanoi City Police has been urging businesses and public establishments to install fire‑alarm communication equipment that can relay incident data directly to authorities.
By 20 October 2026, the department reported that 100 % of establishments in its jurisdiction had declared their fire‑safety data, and 57,578 facilities had committed to installing the devices; of those, 6,918 communication units were already in place, marking a measurable shift in local fire‑prevention awareness.
Rapid Notification Through Automated Signals
The system works by linking an automatic fire‑alarm detector to a communication device that instantly transmits the alarm, address and GPS coordinates to a central receiving centre, bypassing the need for a person to call the fire department. This is especially valuable for sites operating at night, with few permanent staff, or during off‑peak hours, where manual reporting can be delayed.
Facility managers have voiced support. Mr. Tran Duc Minh, manager of the Thanh Do supermarket chain, said the device “gives us more peace of mind… it shortens the notification time compared with calling the fire department.” Likewise, Mr. Dinh Quang Hung, deputy head of technical safety at Thanh Tri Power Company, highlighted the convenience of monitoring the system via a mobile app and confirming alarms before forwarding them to the nearest rescue unit.
Installation Progress and Early Results
Officials stress that the communication equipment does not replace regular fire‑protection duties such as system inspection, on‑site firefighting and maintenance. Its effectiveness depends on accurate facility data, reliable hardware and proper coordination procedures when an alarm is triggered.
Looking ahead, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police plan to keep working with local wards and business owners to expand installations, ensure data updates and maintain equipment, aiming to build a city‑wide fire‑alarm information network that further reduces response times and protects lives and property.
Reader questions
How do the fire‑alarm communication devices transmit information?
When an automatic fire alarm detects a fire, the attached communication device sends a signal with the incident’s address, coordinates and facility details to a central receiving centre, without requiring a person to place a call.
What proportion of establishments in Area No. 12 have installed the devices?
By 20 October 2026, 57,578 establishments had committed to installation, and 6,918 devices had been installed, representing the first wave of the city’s rollout.
Do these devices replace traditional fire‑reporting methods?
No. Officials state the equipment complements existing fire‑protection responsibilities such as system inspection, on‑site firefighting and manual reporting; accurate data and regular maintenance remain essential.
Source: vietnam.vn
