China recorded a 1 percent drop in the number of fires to 129,803 in the first half of this year and 871 fire deaths, down 41.7 percent from the same period last year.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday also showed 991 people were injured, down 20.2 percent, and property losses worth more than 390 million yuan (US$48.75 million) down 45.3 percent.

According to the ministry, 21.2 percent of the fire accidents were caused by the improper installation and use of electrical appliances and 31.6 percent caused by the mishandling of fire.