Fire-safety issues found at China's cultural heritage sites

BEIJING — A recent round of fire-control checks at China's cultural heritage sites has exposed a number of weaknesses, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) said on July 19.

Inspectors found more than 140 problems at over 60 cultural heritage sites, the NCHA said in a press release.

Safety issues were found in electricity systems, such as old and damaged electric wires and substandard settings, as well as the presence of open flames and fire risks, including smoking and burning incense.

Problems were also found in the management of security staff and the installation of fire-control facilities.

Provincial cultural heritage administrations will supervise the cultural heritage sites to remedy the problems, the NCHA statement said.