Local firefighters are blaming property management companies for an increase in the number of fires in high-rise buildings so far this year.

During the first nine months of 2003, there have been 253 high-rise fires reported in the city, a year-on-year increase of 53.8 percent. Those fires have led to direct economic losses of 684,000 yuan (US$82,409), according to the Shanghai Fire Control Bureau.

No one has been killed in any of the high-rise fires so far this year, but three people have been injured, the bureau said.

Firefighters say they have had problems with fire hydrants near several buildings, as management companies have shut their pumps off in order to save money.

"These violations have delayed our work," said Chen Jiahua of the bureau.

Companies can face fines of up to 20,000 yuan (US$2,419.37) for playing with the pumps, he added.

The problem is particularly bad at taller buildings, those above 16 or 17 stories, as firefighters can find themselves without enough water pressure to fight a blaze if hydrants aren't working.

So far this year, there have been 4,588 fires in the city, leading to 31 deaths and 76 injuries, according to the Fire Control Bureau.

The number of fires reported in the city represents a 3.3 percent increase year on year, while the number of deaths and injuries are both down significantly from last year.

(eastday.com November 3, 2003)