BEIJING — The Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) has reinforced fire safety during the weeklong Spring Festival starting on Feb 4, officials said on Feb 5.

The newly created MEM China Fire and Rescue Team has dispatched staff to key areas such as supermarkets, temple fairs and sites for fireworks to intensify fire safety checks and supervision.

The team spotted 45,000 fire risks on Feb 4, with 43,000 of them rectified during the day.

The team dealt with 5,630 fires and emergency rescues on Feb 4, rescuing 277 people, with 12 others killed.

Overall fire safety is stable.