China reports fewer fire casualties in 2015

BEIJING -- China reported 1,742 deaths from fires in 2015, a year-on-year decrease of 4 percent, data from the Ministry of Public Security showed Tuesday.

Last year saw about 338,000 fires that led to direct economic losses of 3.95 billion yuan (600 million U.S. dollars), according to a statement from the ministry.

A total of 1,112 people were injured in fires, a 26.5-percent decrease, it said.

Nearly 70 percent of the deaths were caused by fires in residential buildings, according to the report.

Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Liaoning provinces saw the most fires in the year, with more than 15,000 cases reported in each province.

The statement said spring and winter are two seasons when more fires occur, with February at the top of the list. More than 40,000 fires were reported in the month.

Incorrect use of electrical devices led to more than 30 percent of all fires, it added.