The Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone held a fire control conference on March 6 to arrange local fire control efforts. Zhao Xiaobo, deputy director of the zone's administrative committee, attended the meeting, Pingtan Times reported on March 6.

The island county plans to set up 12 fire stations in accordance with the zone's development layout. A provincial panel of fire control experts noted at the conference that Pingtan shall establish a complete and independent fire extinguisher system for possible emergencies.

Zhao said the system's establishment will also take into consideration the island's role as a forerunner for cross-Straits communication and its plan to develop into a "wise island". Fire prevention ability is crucial for a stable society and its economic development.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai