Preventing fires in old Shanxi

Pingyao county, in Shanxi province passed a law on Jan 28 of last year prohibiting the use of electric heaters, the setting off of fireworks, or with the use of naked light bulbs to protect the area's relics, and, so far it has been quite effective.

The old structures are mostly wooden, with a history of hundreds of years, and the spaces between them are quite narrow, so they're quite combustible. To preservation them, the law forbids any opens fire in the many scenic spots and all public places and a team has been organized to do regular inspections of areas where the law most applies.

And there are penalties for any illegal acts, for example, the sale of fireworks or electric heaters will in the confiscation of the objects, while anyone setting off fireworks in those areas is subject to a fine of from 100 to 500 yuan ($80), and anyong found guilty of causing property damage can face criminal charges and be forced to compensate for the loss.