Chinese New Year celebrants asked to be alert on fire accidents

BANGKOK, Feb 6 (TNA) -- Thais of Chinese descent have been asked to be extra careful of fire accidents during the upcoming Chinese New Year festival. This year’s Chinese New Year festival falls on Monday and the celebrants would burn incense sticks, light red candles and burn firecrackers to worship Chinese gods and their ancestors as part of the festival celebrations. Chatchai Phromlert, director-general of Interior Ministry’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, has issued a warning to also prevent fire from occurring by turning off the cooking gas cylinder after finishing the cooking. Mr Chatchai said always have some one to look after lighted incense sticks and candles and to also make sure that they are not lighted before leaving the house. House owners should also turn off switches and electrical appliances before leaving their houses to prevent electrical short- circuit, he said. (TNA)