China Shoe Factory Fire Kills 28 in Fujian; Xi Orders Accountability

A fire at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, killed 28 people on July 9, marking one of China’s deadliest industrial blazes in recent years. Of 239 people in the building, 213 were evacuated or rescued. President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out search and rescue effort and demanded strict accountability for those responsible. The factory owner and others have been detained, and the company’s accounts frozen.

How the fire spread so quickly

The fire broke out around noon on the ground floor of the five-story concrete building at Huiteng Shoes, where a workshop and warehouse were located. Shoe-making materials stored inside, including soles and adhesives, are highly flammable and fueled rapid spread across multiple floors. A large amount of clutter piled in stairwells blocked firefighters from reaching upper levels and slowed rescue efforts, according to fire chief Du Zhenzhou.

Rescue operation and death toll

More than 500 firefighters and rescue personnel responded with 183 firefighters and 35 fire engines deployed to the scene. Open flames were extinguished by around 4 p.m. after about four hours of fighting the blaze. Of the 28 dead, two were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital; 26 others initially reported missing were later confirmed dead. A total of 213 people were successfully evacuated.

Xi’s response and investigation

President Xi Jinping issued instructions demanding an all-out rescue effort and strict accountability for those responsible. Xi noted that multiple major workplace safety accidents have occurred in China since the start of 2026 and called for all regions to strengthen safety measures. The factory owner and several others in charge have been taken into custody and the company’s accounts have been frozen.

Jinjiang’s role in global shoe production

Jinjiang, in coastal Fujian province, is known as China’s shoe capital and produces roughly one in every five athletic shoes made worldwide. The city is a major manufacturing hub for sports footwear and clothing. The fire highlights ongoing workplace safety challenges in China’s industrial sector.

Final Thoughts

The Jinjiang factory fire underscores persistent safety risks in China’s manufacturing sector. With Xi demanding accountability and the factory owner detained, the incident signals tighter enforcement of workplace safety standards across the country.

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