20 Killed in Fire at Elderly Apartment in Northern China

Fire Breaks Out in Hebei Nursing Home

A fire that erupted in a residential apartment for the elderly in Chengde, a city in China’s northern Hebei province, has left 20 people dead. The incident occurred on Tuesday and was reported by state media on Wednesday.

Blaze Burns for Two Hours Before Containment

According to local authorities, the blaze lasted for approximately two hours before it was brought under control. Nineteen residents were hospitalized for treatment and observation.

Owner Arrested as Investigation Begins

Police have arrested the owner of the apartment as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Experts have been dispatched to the site to assess the scene and determine the source of the incident.

Part of a Broader Pattern of Deadly Fires

This fire adds to a growing list of similar tragedies in China. In 2023, a hospital fire in Beijing killed 26 people and injured dozens more. In January 2025, eight people died and 15 were injured in a fire at a vegetable market in Hebei. A department store fire in Sichuan province last year also claimed 16 lives.

Call for Stricter Safety Measures

The recent string of deadly incidents has raised public concern over fire safety standards, particularly in facilities serving vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Authorities are facing increasing pressure to strengthen oversight and improve emergency preparedness.

“20 Killed in Fire at Elderly Apartment in Northern China”