Welding sparks cause house fire, elevator installation staff temporarily detained

On January 31, 2026, a fire broke out during elevator installation at a residential apartment in Chaoyang District (Beijing, China) due to a violation of safety regulations during electric welding work. Fortunately, the incident did not cause any human casualties.

According to reports, around 9 a.m., while installing an elevator in a residential apartment, Mr. Zheng, a construction worker, was performing electric welding work inside the elevator shaft.

Falling welding slag ignited flammable materials inside the shaft, causing a fire to erupt and quickly spread vertically along the elevator shaft, partially burning the shaft and the apartment's interior.

Immediately upon detecting smoke and flames, workers at the scene called the emergency number to report the fire. The local fire department quickly arrived, and the residential area's on-site firefighting team was also mobilized for initial response. Thanks to the timely intervention, the fire was contained and did not spread to other areas.

The investigation by authorities determined that the construction unit had seriously violated fire safety regulations: failing to obtain a permit for the hot work; not clearing flammable materials before construction; not arranging a safety supervisor; and not establishing effective fire shielding and isolation measures. This was identified as an illegal act.

Based on the provisions of China's Fire Prevention and Fighting Law, the public security agency issued an administrative penalty decision, imposing a 10-day administrative detention on the individual who directly performed the illegal hot work.

This incident serves as a warning to elevator installation and construction companies. Strictly adhering to safety procedures is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial factor in ensuring the safety of people and property.