Chapter 134: Chen Mubao's Trouble (1)

  Chen Mubiao is busy every day. Since he made his attitude clear, Chen Mubiao has felt a significant change. County Party Secretary He Xuxiong and County Mayor Chen Dazhi have restored their usual way of treating leaders. Chen Mubiao is in charge of agricultural work and needs to report to He Xuxiong and Chen Dazhi frequently. In the first half of the year, there are generally more investments in agriculture, such as the construction of irrigation canals, which is uniformly managed by the county government. Several times when Chen Mubiao reported, he encountered difficulties, and Chen Dazhi always said that there were financial difficulties. Chen Mubiao had limited funds at his disposal and did not dare to speak out freely. Moreover, his work was in a period of gradual familiarization, and after some time, Chen Mubiao also felt distressed. However, Chen Mubiao worked diligently and wholeheartedly, never complaining about anything.

  It still happened unexpectedly.

  Shalong County has two large-scale forest farms, one is more than 20 kilometers away from the county seat, and the other is more than 80 kilometers away from the county seat. The fire prevention of the forest farm is a top priority for the county's safety work, which needs to be emphasized every year. After Chen Mou took office, he visited two forest farms and specifically emphasized safety and fire prevention.

  "Secretary Chen, something's wrong! A fire has broken out at Chenjiawan Forest Farm."

  When Chen Mubiao received the call, he felt a blank in his mind. Despite repeated warnings and reminders, a fire had still occurred. At this moment, Chen Mubiao was so angry that he wanted to dismiss all the leaders of the Forestry Bureau, but now was not the time to lose his temper. Chen Mubiao asked about the situation of the fire in detail while getting on the car and rushing directly to Chenjiawan Forest Farm, which is only more than 20 kilometers away from the county seat.

  Chen Mubiao immediately called He Xuxiong and Chen Dazhi to report the fire at Chenjiawan Forest Farm. Both He Xuxiong and Chen Dazhi were informed of the incident, and Chen Dazhi, as the person in charge of forest fire prevention, was already on his way to Chenjiawan Forest Farm.

  When Chen arrived at the scene of the fire, he saw a scene that he had never seen before. Many people were putting out the fire, and the burning tree trunks made a crackling sound. The flames rose high into the sky, dyeing it red. The firefighting teams from the county and township had already cut a wide firebreak, and two red fire trucks were parked beside the fire. Large water cannons were spraying clear water into the fire, and many armed police officers were holding thick branches, checking one by one to make sure that the open flames had been extinguished.

  The raging fire scene is where no one dares to go in and put out the fire, that belongs to looking for death. The best way is to select an isolation zone at a certain distance from the fire scene. Don't underestimate the selection of this isolation zone, which requires a high level of professionalism. If it's too far, the fire will spread and the loss will be severe, not to mention that it may not work. If it's too close, before you even have time to cut it off, the fire has already burned over, and it's also a waste of effort.

  Chen Mubiao hadn't had time to speak when Chen Dazhi arrived.

  "Secretary Chen, you're in command here, I'll go to the rear, they're rushing out a quarantine zone over there."

  Chen Mubao knew that the isolation zone at the back was very dangerous, and estimated that most of the armed police soldiers and firefighters were behind him. At this time, he couldn't hesitate anymore.

  "County Chief Chen, I'll go to the back side, you stay here and command comprehensively. The mobile phone communication conditions are not good here, I'll take a walkie-talkie to the back side, if there's any instruction, contact me at any time."

  Chen Mubiao finished speaking and got on the car. When the car started, Xu Shaojie saw Chen Dazhi frowning, but he didn't say anything.

  Two days later, Chen Dazhi and Chen Mubiao left the Chenjiawan Forest Farm with a sigh of relief. This time, the loss was not great, but they were still worried about another fire occurring, so they waited until all hidden dangers were eliminated before returning to the county town.

  Chen Mubiao fell asleep as soon as he got on the car, and for two days and two nights, he almost didn't close his eyes. He helped to cut down trees, dispatched personnel on the spot, and led armed police officers and professional firefighting teams to inspect places without open flames. Chen Mubiao hoped that the sky would rain, but it was not as wished. If there is another heavy rain, all hidden dangers will be eliminated.

  Hou Yibing has taken the public security bureau's cadres to Chenjiawan Forest Farm for investigation. Such a big fire must be investigated clearly, and it is necessary to see if it is considered arson.

  After the fire, the key is to deal with the aftermath. Forest fires are a very sensitive topic because after the 1987 Daxinganling fire, the central government's handling of forest fires suddenly became strict. After each fire, all levels of party committees and governments have to deal with some leading cadres, which has almost become a convention. Therefore, after a fire occurs, putting out the fire is one aspect, but how to report to superiors and implement responsibility is also very important.

  When the county party committee convened a standing committee meeting to study the Chenjiawan Forest Farm fire, Chen Mubiao was nervous. Although Chen Dazhi is the first person responsible, he is the direct person in charge, directly responsible for this work among the county party committee and government leaders. Of course, under Chen Mubiao, there are specific persons in charge, including the vice-county mayor in charge of forestry, the forestry bureau team, and the township team. However, Chen Mubiao is not one to shirk responsibility; he first thinks of his own responsibility.

  Xu Shaojie hastily walked into Secretary Ding Yuan's office.

  "Shao Jie, what's your take on the forest fire accident in Chenjiawan Forest Farm of Shalong County?"

  "Secretary Ding, the case is now clear: it was a fire caused by smoking after farmers entered the forest area. The parties involved must be dealt with seriously."

  "What should be said about leadership responsibility?"

  Xu Shaojie fell silent, this matter involved Chen Mubiao. Regarding the forest fire that occurred in Salang County, strictly speaking, it was beneficial to Secretary Ding Yuan. Salang County is within Huang Haitao's sphere of influence. In official circles, there are not many courtesy words that can be spoken. Having such an opportunity, one must attack with all their might and gain benefits from the game. However, Huang Haitao also had no good reason to speak out. But since Chen Mubiao was involved, things became complicated.

  Xu Shaojie was furious. In the official circle, there were not many opportunities to attack. At present, Secretary Ding Yuan is also facing a choice, that is, how to view the forest fire accident in Chenjiawan Forest Farm. If handled strictly, it is entirely possible to remove County Magistrate Chen Dazhi from his post, and Chen Mubiao will undoubtedly be implicated, even temporarily removed from office. The punishment for forest fires can be light or severe.

  "Secretary Ding, I think it's better to make an announcement and criticize him."

  "The evaluation is good, the loss is not big, besides, Shalon County actively organized to put out the fire and didn't let it spread, their attitude is very good."

  Ding Yuan's face was serious, and he nodded. As the municipal party secretary, he needed to consider all aspects. Xu Shaojie's emotions were understandable, involving Chen Mubiao, the first thought was to downplay the matter.

  "Let's see what Shalon County thinks about it, they are going to have a meeting to discuss the issue of responsibility soon."

  When Chen Mubiao entered the conference room, he felt that the atmosphere inside was very heavy. Everyone knew that today's meeting was to discuss the issue of leadership responsibility. For the past two days, Chen Mubiao had not received any phone calls. At such a sensitive moment, no one would be so tactless as to take the initiative to look for trouble.

  He Xuxiong presided over the meeting, and the director of the Public Security Bureau who attended the meeting reported on the detection of the case. The peasant who caused the fire has been formally detained, and the materials are almost ready. The next step is to hand it over to the procuratorate for prosecution. After the director of the Public Security Bureau finished speaking, Chen Dazhi spoke.

  "Comrades, today's meeting, the main agenda, everyone knows, the Public Security Bureau caught the suspect in the shortest time. As the first person responsible for forest fire prevention, I would like to express my gratitude to the Public Security Bureau for their hard work. How to deal with the suspect will be handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. As the saying goes, 'If the leader is upright, his orders will be carried out without being given; if the leader is not upright, his orders will not be carried out even if they are given.' I am the first person responsible, bearing an irremovable responsibility. Today, please let Secretary He and all comrades put forward their opinions on how to deal with this matter. No matter what, I accept it. The county party committee government and the people have entrusted me with such a duty, if I don't fulfill my duties, I should be dealt with. As for the lower-level cadres, in my personal opinion, they all did their best during the firefighting process, the main responsibility lies with me."

  After Chen Dazhi finished speaking, the conference room fell silent, with no one speaking. Chen Mubiao thought for a moment before continuing to speak.

  "Comrade Secretary, County Head Chen, I am the person directly responsible. County Head Chen has already spoken just now, so I won't repeat it. The main responsibility for this big fire lies with me. Although County Head Chen is the first person in charge, the specific work was handled by me, so I should bear the main responsibility. Please everyone put forward your opinions on how to deal with me, and I will accept them."

  The meeting had reached a point where others would not say anything, involving a large number of people, including the deputy county head in charge, who was at the forefront of the leadership, with forestry bureau officials and township officials below. If handled, it's not a small matter. He Xiong looked around at everyone and began to speak.

  "County Magistrate Chen and Secretary Chen have a correct and profound understanding of the severity of this fire, showing that they are clear about their responsibilities and have not forgotten the idea of governing for the people at all times. This fire has had a certain impact on the economic development of our county and has brought negative effects to our work, but we must also see the positive aspects. County Magistrate Chen and Secretary Chen risked their lives to participate in the firefighting efforts, and the broad masses of cadres and people, without regard for personal safety, extinguished the fire in the shortest time possible, revealing many touching stories that are worth promoting. As for the issue of leadership responsibility, I believe we should look at the main aspects - County Magistrate Chen and Secretary Chen both took the initiative to assume responsibility and care for their subordinates, a spirit that is worthy of praise. My opinion is that this fire is mainly the responsibility of the county committee and government, and as the county party secretary, I cannot shirk my responsibilities. I will make a special report to the Huaiyang Municipal Committee and Government, requesting disciplinary action. As for the responsible persons of the county units and townships involved, after the Discipline Inspection Commission investigates, we will put forward opinions on how to handle it."

  After He Xiong's words were finished, the conference room quickly became lively. Everyone began to express their opinions, all of which agreed with He Xiong's opinion that Chen Dazhi and Chen Mubiao should not bear any specific responsibilities.

  At the end of the meeting, Chen Dazhi and Chen Mubiao both made speeches, acknowledging their mistakes while expressing gratitude for the county party committee's handling of the matter, and promising to work diligently in the future to prevent such errors from happening again.

  He Xuxiong made a summary and fully affirmed the unity of the Shalong County team.

  Xu Shaojie held the report of Salong County, he had read it three times, always feeling that something was not quite right, but he couldn't figure out what it was. He Xiong had already reported to Secretary Ding Yuan, and this material was handed over directly by He Xiong to Secretary Ding Yuan, who asked him to take a close look. The report described the process of the fire at Chenjiawan Forest Farm and its extinguishing in great detail, but when it came to leadership responsibility, it was very vague, with the county party committee and government collectively assuming responsibility. What did this mean? Collective responsibility is also composed of individual people, with primary and secondary responsibilities. If superiors wanted to investigate, wouldn't they directly point to the leader who bore main responsibility?

  "Shao Jie, what's your take on this report?"

  "Director Ding, I'm not clear about it, but I always feel that this report is somewhat improper. According to common sense, there should be leaders who bear primary and secondary responsibilities. Putting aside the severity of the punishment for now, the key point is that responsibility must be implemented. This kind of report does not implement responsibility, and it's really hard to evaluate."

  "Shaojie, you can see this aspect, it's not simple. The Chenjiawan forest fire is far from over. This kind of report that shirks responsibility is extremely unfavorable to Chen Mubiao. The report clearly states that Chen Dazhi is the first person responsible and Chen Mubiao is directly responsible, but the county committee and government collectively bear the consequences, which is unacceptable. Shaojie, during this period, you must pay special attention to the follow-up reports on Chenjiawan Forest Farm and prevent any accidents."

  Xu Shaojie nodded, wanting to continue asking, but he didn't open his mouth. Secretary Ding Yuan was willing to say it, and would definitely say it if he wanted to; if not, then there was no need to ask.

  Xu Shaojie soon received a call from Chen Mubiao, who sounded excited on the phone and seemed grateful to He Xiong and Chen Dazhi for taking responsibility at a critical moment. Xu Shaojie didn't say anything, but if it weren't for Ding Yuanshuai's words earlier, he would have thought that Chen Mubiao was in the clear this time. Xu Shaojie thought to himself that both he and Chen Mubiao were still young and not particularly familiar with the tricks of the trade in official circles. Since Ding Yuanshuai said that things weren't over yet, there must be more to come. Of course, this was just Xu Shaojie's thinking, and he wouldn't tell Chen Mubiao about it.