China’s Ministry of Emergency Management announced a landmark achievement in fire prevention, reporting that forest and grassland fires dropped to unprecedented lows in 2025. Official data reveals the country experienced merely 226 such incidents throughout the year, marking the lowest annual figure ever recorded.
At a recent press briefing, Ministry spokeswoman Shen Zhanli disclosed that these fires impacted approximately 4,971 hectares of vegetation and resulted in two fatalities. This accomplishment represents the fifth consecutive year that fire incidents have remained below the 1,000 mark, demonstrating sustained progress in fire management strategies.
The positive trend extended to workplace safety, with the nation recording fewer than 20,000 occupational accidents for the first time—an 8.7 percent reduction compared to the previous year. Officials attribute these improvements to comprehensive safety measures and enhanced emergency response protocols.
Despite these advancements, Shen cautioned against complacency, noting that safety conditions remain “severe and complicated.” The increasing frequency of extreme weather events presents escalating fire risks, while the fundamental infrastructure for workplace safety requires further strengthening. The spokeswoman highlighted that two major accidents and several high-risk incidents have already occurred this year, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities.
With the Spring Festival travel period ongoing and post-holiday business resumptions accelerating, authorities emphasize the continued need for vigilance against potential safety hazards across all sectors.