Walls and ceilings covered with easily flammable material near escape routes, absence of fire alarm systems and of emergency exits or their incorrect location are only some of the irregularities identified by firefighters during the first inspections carried out at public places in Chisinau, including cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, IPN reports.

According to the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service, the inspectors draw up reports to impose administrative penalties and the managers are to remove the identified irregularities within the set periods of time. If the firemen identify major violations, procedures will be initiated to close the public places on a temporary basis, until the court of law takes a final decision.

During 15 days, over 150 inspectors of the state anti-fire measures supervision body will examine 360 crowded recreational facilities, including nightclubs with an attendance of over 50 persons, theaters, movie theaters and festivity halls. The raids are performed with the aim of preventing fires and emergencies with fatal consequences.

The inspections were ordered after 31 persons lost their lives and over 130 sustained injuries as a result of nightclub fire in Bucharest last Friday.