Ho Chi Minh City Police, led by the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department (PC07), have launched a city-wide campaign to dismantle unauthorized metal enclosures on balconies, locally known as "chuồng cọp" or "tiger cages." Following a recent tragic fire that claimed eight lives at the Doc Lap Apartment Complex, authorities are intensifying efforts to raise public awareness about the severe fire safety risks these structures pose by blocking escape routes. The initiative involves widespread public outreach, voluntary removal efforts by residents, and direct assistance from fire and police forces to make apartment buildings safer and more resilient against fire incidents.
The Deadly Trap: Unsanctioned Balcony Enclosures
In the bustling urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, a common architectural feature on many older apartment buildings, particularly those constructed before 1975, has long been a point of concern for fire safety: "chuồng cọp" (tiger cages). These are unauthorized iron or metal cages that residents weld onto their balconies, often to extend living space, deter theft, or provide additional storage. While intended for security or convenience, they have proven to be deadly traps in the event of a fire, severely hindering escape and rescue efforts.
The urgency of the current campaign by Ho Chi Minh City Police and the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department (PC07) comes in the wake of a devastating fire on July 6, 2025, at the Doc Lap Apartment Complex. This tragedy claimed eight lives, and initial reports highlighted that nearly all balconies in the affected building were sealed off with these metal enclosures, making escape virtually impossible for residents.
City-Wide Initiative for Safer Living
Starting on July 12, 2025, hundreds of officers from 33 firefighting and rescue teams, in coordination with local police and ward authorities across 168 communes, wards, and even Con Dao island district, began a concerted effort to address the "tiger cage" problem.
The campaign is multifaceted, focusing on:
Public Awareness and Education: Police and fire safety officials are going door-to-door, engaging directly with residents in old apartment buildings, dormitories (cư xá), and residential areas. They are emphasizing the critical dangers posed by "tiger cages" and unauthorized extensions that block emergency exits. Many residents, like Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dinh from Doc Lap apartment, who had installed a "tiger cage" for security, are now voluntarily dismantling them after being educated on the fire risks.
Voluntary Removal and Support: Residents are being encouraged and supported to voluntarily remove these metal cages and open up secondary escape routes. In some cases, fire and police officers are actively assisting residents in the dismantling process or guiding them on how to convert existing structures into viable escape windows.
Distribution of Fire Safety Equipment: As part of the outreach, forces are also distributing fire extinguishers to households and providing training on how to use them. They are also instructing residents on the use of the "Help 114" application, a mobile app for reporting and updating on fire incidents in HCMC.
Establishing Community Fire Safety Groups: Authorities are pushing for the establishment of inter-household groups and local rapid response teams to ensure timely action in case of fire.
Comprehensive Inspection: Teams are inspecting every balcony and loggia to identify and address violations, ensuring that unauthorized structures are dismantled and original designs are restored. For instance, at Thanh Da apartment complex, where thousands of households still use "tiger cages," efforts are underway to convince residents to comply.
The Imperative of Fire Safety
The tragic incident at Doc Lap Complex served as a grim reminder of why these "tiger cages" are so dangerous. While residents install them for perceived security against theft or to gain extra space in often cramped apartments, they inadvertently create death traps during emergencies. In a fire, these fixed metal frames can prevent residents from reaching safety or firefighters from gaining access for rescue operations. The extensive wiring and accumulation of personal belongings in narrow common areas of older buildings further exacerbate fire risks.
Ho Chi Minh City authorities, with this concerted campaign, are demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing urban fire safety. By addressing the "tiger cage" issue head-on, they aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure that the city's residents can live in safer and more resilient environments. The emphasis on community involvement and voluntary compliance is crucial for the long-term success of this vital initiative.