In Minsk since the beginning of 2026 checked for fire safety 390 hostels

For the first nine months of 2026, the state fire supervision authorities carried out 286 surveillance and preventive measures at facilities with a mass stay of people and 390 in dormitories. Activities covered 96.6% and 98.5% of facilities, respectively. This was announced during an operational meeting in the Minsk City Executive Committee by the head of the Minsk City Department of Emergencies Ministry Vitaly Susha, BelTA writes.

According to the results of supervision work, 85 dormitories with faulty fire automation systems were identified.

- 76 systems are in good condition, which is 88.2% of the identified ones. Nine dormitories remain under control, for which the terms of restoration of fire automation systems have not expired, Vitaly Susha added.

Since 2023, 28 fires and sunbathings have occurred in Minsk at facilities with a mass stay of people and 48 in dormitories. The main causes of fires were violations of the rules of operation of electrical networks and electrical equipment (leaving unattended chargers for electric gadgets, connecting many electrical devices to outlets, which leads to overloading of the electrical network, etc.) and careless handling of fire.

For example, in July of this year in one of the capital’s dormitories caught fire bedding in a living room. The property was damaged, the room was smoked. The “Lightning” emergency notification system has been activated. The cause of the fire was a short circuit in the electrical socket.

In August, property caught fire in the office room of a multifunctional complex. Property and glazing were damaged, the room was smoked. Lightning went off. The cause of the fire was a short circuit in the refrigeration equipment.

According to Vitaly Sushi, in most cases, fires occur due to the human factor - non-compliance with safety rules, negligence and inattention when handling electrical appliances and fire. The lack of control over the serviceability of fire alarm systems, warning people in case of fire and smoke ventilation can also threaten the safety of citizens. Among the common violations detected during surveillance and preventive work are the cluttering of evacuation routes, the inability to open doors on evacuation routes from the inside without a key, as well as the malfunction of fire automation systems. How can children be evacuated if there are turnstiles at the entrance to the school? Emergencies explained