Vice President (1) U Nyo Saw stated that Myanmar experiences around 1,800 fire incidents each year, resulting in annual losses of nearly Ks 19 billion.
He made the remarks during a speech at the ceremony marking the 80th Anniversary of Myanmar Fire Services Day, held this morning at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-1 (MICC-I) in Nay Pyi Taw.
The Vice President noted that with the rapid pace of urban socio-economic development and industrial expansion, fire hazards have become a significant and accompanying challenge. Over the 10-year period from 2014 to 2023, more than 18,000 fire incidents were recorded nationwide, with estimated losses exceeding Ks 187 billion. On average, about 1,800 fires occur annually, causing losses of around Ks 19 billion each year.
He added that due to intensified efforts to reduce fire incidents, the number declined to 1,150 cases in 2024 and further to 1,018 cases in 2025. Both the number of incidents and the value of losses have shown a year-on-year decrease. He expressed recognition of the dedicated efforts of Myanmar Fire Services personnel, auxiliary fire brigades, and private fire units in fire prevention and awareness activities.
Furthermore, he said that under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Fire Services Department has set four major objectives and is carrying out its duties accordingly. Firefighting operations require immediate emergency response, and therefore strategic planning, preparedness training, implementation, and continuous review must be conducted to ensure constant readiness.
He also emphasized that the Fire Services Department is not only responsible for firefighting but also plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, disaster management, and emergency medical response. As such, it is essential to implement these public service functions in line with the mottos “Three Fast” and “Four Ready.”
At the ceremony, the Vice President presented honorary awards and cash prizes to veteran singer U Tun Shwe, who performed the classic fire safety song “Mee Thati Pyu,” retired fire personnel aged 95 and above, and an auxiliary fire brigade deputy commander from Dagon Myothit (South) Township in Yangon Region who had served voluntarily in fire service activities.
Attendees also watched a commemorative video marking the 80th Anniversary of Myanmar Fire Services Day and toured various exhibitions, including regional photo displays, historical firefighting equipment, advanced emergency communication systems, and modern firefighting and rescue tools. Displays of vintage and modern fire engines, as well as search-and-rescue dog demonstrations, were also showcased at the MICC-I compound, with officials providing explanations at each section.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President (1) U Nyo Saw, government officials including senior military leaders, Union ministers, heads and secretaries of Union-level committees and commissions, senior Tatmadaw officers, deputy ministers, members of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, permanent secretaries, departmental heads, officers and personnel from the Myanmar Fire Services Department, retired fire officers, representatives of regional and state fire brigades (regular, auxiliary, and private), award-winning firefighters, and invited guests.
