Beijing: Ten people were killed and over a thousand fire accidents reported during massive fireworks display all over China heralding the Chinese New Year on Friday.
Fires killed ten people as people welcomed the Year of the Horse with massive fireworks display last night and during the early hours today, a media report said.
About 1047 fire accidents were reported nationwide and 1.80 lakh fire-fighters were pressed in to attend the emergencies, state run Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese bid adieu to Year of the Snake last night and welcomed Year of the Horse.
The nation is shut down for a week to celebrate the New Year which is also known as the Spring Festival.
Text messages, as well as popular social media and microblogs were used to disseminate knowledge and enhance public awareness on fire protection.
It is a tradition for Chinese to light fireworks during the Spring Festival to bring good fortune.
China permits fire works only during the Spring festival season.
