Fujian fire probe faults workplace safety

An investigation into a deadly fire at a food company's construction site in the city of Sanming, Fujian province, has identified the incident as "a major workplace safety liability accident", provincial emergency response authorities said on Thursday. The fire at a cold chain facility under construction inside the food company, which has the Mingyou brand name, broke out on March 31, 2025, killing five people and injuring six. It caused nearly 21.16 million yuan ($3 million) in direct economic losses. The investigation report found that the primary causes included the company's failure to obtain proper construction permits for decoration and renovation work in accordance with laws and regulations, and its use of insulation materials that did not meet required fire safety standards. Meanwhile, the company was found to have relocated and cut short smoke exhaust ducts, while also dismantling firefighting facilities without authorization. Additionally, initial fire response efforts were deemed ineffective. The investigation also pointed to inadequate safety supervision by relevant local government departments.

Temperatures soar above 40 C in Hainan

A relentless heat wave has baked Hainan province for days, with temperatures soaring above 40 C and experts expecting little relief until at least Thursday. Hainan's provincial meteorological bureau issued a Level 4 heat warning on Saturday, advising residents to anticipate highs between 37 and 39 C with localized 40 C readings. The temperature in Tunchang county set an April record at 40.4 C. The warm temperatures arrived unusually early and cover nine cities and counties, with more than a dozen others under a heat alert. According to the Hainan Climate Center, the year's first 37 C day typically occurs in April in the western and northern parts of the island, and between May and July elsewhere. This year, Ding'an county hit that mark 42 days early, the second earliest since 1991. Tunchang and Qiongzhong Li and Miao autonomous county also saw top-three early arrivals. The heat is worsening a deepening drought. By Monday, severe drought gripped Wenchang and Qionghai, with 11 other cities and counties experiencing moderate drought.

China Daily - Xinhua