China suffered 129,803 fire accidents from January to June this year, killing 871 people, injuring 991 and causing 394.6 million yuan of direct economic losses, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The number of accidents decreased by one percent and the death toll was down 41.7 percent from last year.

Over 28,000 fires occurred in the cities, killing 276 people, down 0.4 percent and 40 percent from last year.

Around 15,000 fires occurred due to the incorrect installation and use of electrical appliances.

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2006)