Guangdong releases probe report on Shantou fire that left 12 dead

The Guangdong provincial authorities approved and released on Friday an investigation report on a fire that killed 12 people on Dec 9, 2025, in Shantou, calling the incident a major work safety liability accident triggered by improper use of mosquito-repellent incense.

The fire broke out on Dec 9 in a self-built residential building in Chaonan district of Shantou. It burned across 150 square meters, killing 12 people and causing direct economic loss of around 406,300 yuan ($60,756.47). Investigators found that a lit mosquito coil in the reception area of a hardware and electrical shop on the ground floor ignited nearby combustibles. High temperatures then caused lithium batteries stored indoors to go into thermal runaway and explode. The blasts set off a chain detonation of hazardous materials, including polyurethane foam sealant, butane gas canisters, spray paint and rust remover, rapidly spreading the fire and leading to heavy casualties.

The probe identified multiple parties at fault. The hardware shop lacked safety management systems and failed to meet safety requirements. A fire safety assessment firm produced seriously distorted evaluation reports. Multiple local government departments, including housing, fire rescue, natural resources, and urban management authorities, were found derelict in inspection, law enforcement and rectification. Municipal and district governments failed to fully fulfill the safety responsibilities within their jurisdiction.

The assessment company and its relevant personnel will be transferred to judicial organs. Clues of dereliction of duty by public officials have been referred to disciplinary and supervisory authorities for investigation.