With the support of the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Division (PC07) under the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department, Saigon Centre today conducted a firefighting and rescue drill at the building to strengthen coordination and emergency response capabilities.
Overview of the firefighting and rescue drill at Saigon Centre.
The fire drill involved around 1,500 participants, including tenants, guests, staff, and on-site emergency response teams.
Major General Nguyen Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police, delivers a speech at the drill.
Major General Nguyen Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police, said: “Today’s firefighting and rescue drill at Saigon Centre is a practical, important, and necessary activity in enhancing fire prevention and rescue readiness for high-rise buildings in the city. It is an opportunity for all forces to comprehensively assess their manpower, command operations, coordination efficiency, and available equipment in handling fire and rescue situations.”
A ladder truck is deployed to perform rescue operations on upper floors.
According to the simulated scenario, a fire broke out in the B3 basement parking area due to a fuel leak from several long-parked motorbikes, which created a flammable vapor environment that ignited and caused a blaze.
On-site response teams and the TAF35 firefighting robot working to contain the fire in the B3 basement amid rapidly spreading smoke.
Given the complexity of the basement and the large number of vehicles, the fire spread quickly, producing heavy smoke and toxic gases that reached upper floors, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people inside the building. The automatic fire alarm system was immediately activated, and the on-site fire safety team quickly initiated firefighting, guided evacuations, rescued those “trapped,” provided first aid, and ensured security around the site.
Firefighters and medical staff assist in evacuating a victim from the scene.
Upon receiving the alarm, PC07 promptly deployed multiple specialized units and vehicles, including ladder trucks, water tankers, firefighting robots, rescue trucks, mobile pump stations, multi-purpose demolition vehicles, and ambulances...
First aid provided to fire drill participants at the scene.
The TAF35 firefighting robot was activated to discharge high-pressure water jets and cooling mist, while smoke extraction vehicles continuously operated to remove fumes from the site, reducing hazards for firefighters working inside.
Advanced firefighting equipment, including the TAF35 robot, was deployed for effective fire suppression.
In addition, supporting teams were mobilized to maintain traffic flow, public order, electrical and water safety, medical readiness, and emergency response, ensuring the drill ran safely and efficiently.
On-site team spray water to extinguish the fire.
Ms Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Vice President, Property Management of Saigon Centre, shared: “During the fire drill, the building’s integrated fire detection and suppression systems functioned smoothly as designed. The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police and all involved units responded promptly and cooperatively. Tenants participated seriously and followed evacuation guidance. On behalf of Saigon Centre, I would like to sincerely thank all tenants for their cooperation and the Ho Chi Minh City Fire Prevention and Rescue Police for their continued guidance and support.”
Participating units received flowers of appreciation after the fire drill.
The drill not only enhanced the emergency response skills of on-site personnel and tenants but also reaffirmed Saigon Centre’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and professional environment for all who work and shop in the building.