Attending the event were Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and head of the provincial Steering Committee for the drill; members of the Steering Committee; leaders of several provincial departments and agencies; and representatives from the Departments of Public Securities of Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Phu Tho provinces.

The drill consisted of two parts: the command mechanism exercise and the practical field simulation.

In the simulated scenario, while turbine units H1 and H2 of the Huoi Quang Hydropower Plant were operating at full capacity (2×260 MW), a short circuit and electric discharge occurred, puncturing the casing of transformer T2-C at elevation 194.00m. The circuit breaker 232 failed to trip automatically, causing an overcurrent that raised the oil temperature and pressure to ignition point. The high internal pressure and ruptured casing led to an oil spray and large-scale fire.

Simultaneously, in the generator hall at the same elevation, a crane cable snapped, causing a heavy equipment fall that injured and trapped a worker. While emergency teams were concentrating efforts to extinguish the fire and rescue victims inside the plant tunnel, another fire broke out at the ventilation centre (elevation 220.00m) due to motor overload, which ignited surrounding materials.

In response, the Huoi Quang–Ban Chat Hydropower Company activated its internal firefighting and rescue unit, while the commune People’s Committee mobilised local civil defence forces to assist. The provincial Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Division deployed personnel and equipment to command and coordinate the firefighting and rescue operations. The provincial People’s Committee directed forces from various provincial departments, military units, and related agencies to participate in the operation.

At the same time, the firefighting and rescue police of Lai Chau province provided reinforcements to assist Son La forces. Both police units, together with on-site and supporting teams, ensured security, scene protection, investigation, and damage assessment following the simulated incident.

The drill mobilised 36 agencies, with over 550 participants and 62 vehicles and firefighting/rescue machines. Thanks to rapid mobilisation, coordinated operations, and effective command, the fire was brought under control and completely extinguished within one hour.

The exercise was successfully conducted according to the set plan and objectives, ensuring absolute safety for personnel and equipment. It effectively tested and improved the coordination and command mechanisms among participating forces, demonstrating leadership and operational capacity in managing large-scale fire and rescue scenarios.

On this occasion, the provincial People’s Committee presented the certificates of merit to three collectives and five individuals; the Director of the provincial Department of Public Security awarded commendations to five collectives and 15 individuals; the Chieng Lao commune People’s Committee honoured five collectives and 15 individuals; and the Huoi Quang–Ban Chat Hydropower Company also commended five collectives and 15 individuals for their outstanding performance during the exercise.