The ancient county of Pingyao against firecrackers

To ensure the fire safety during Spring Festival, a joined police force—Pingyao Public Security Squad, patrol and special police and traffic police forces—are working together in the main streets of the county in Shanxi province, since Feb 13, to prevent any firecracker from entering the ancient county.

Liang Hongpeng, the head of Pingyao Security Squad, said that they are divided into two groups and stationed at the east and west gate of the old town part, monitoring firecrackers. Another policeman, Lei Jiwang, noted that his patrol was enlarged than the usual one, containing 5 policemen from Public Security Bureau, two with the patrol dogs and two traffic policemen.

Pingyao started to forbid firecrackers in many of the county's tourist sites since last year. In case of fire, neither storage nor transport of fireworks is allowed, let alone setting of firecrackers.

Zhang Dong, deputy captain of Pingyao Public Security Squad, said there would be anti-fire campaigns via the movable vehicles of the police forces, and since Feb 13, a new security checking system went into operation. The police forces expect citizens' support and corporation to protect the ancient site from fire.