Gyeonggi Fire Headquarters Reports 32% Decrease in Gyeonggi Area Fires This Summer

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The number of fires in the Gyeonggi region this summer has decreased by about 32% compared to the previous year. This is attributed to the prolonged rainy season. Accordingly, casualties and property damage also decreased. However, the proportion of electrical fires increased, drawing attention.

According to the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 16th, during the 54-day rainy season from June 24 to August 16, a total of 1,093 fires occurred in the Gyeonggi region, resulting in 9 deaths, 93 injuries, totaling 102 casualties, and property damage worth 33.2 billion KRW.

Compared to the same period last year, which recorded 1,627 fires, 115 casualties (4 deaths and 111 injuries), and property damage worth 42.5 billion KRW, fires decreased by 32.8% (534 cases), casualties decreased by 11.3% (13 people), and property damage decreased by 21.9% (9.3 billion KRW).

However, electrical fires caused by the prolonged rainy season significantly increased during this period, accounting for 43.1% of all ignition causes, ranking first. Last year, negligence (620 cases) was the leading cause at 38%.

In particular, fires in electrical equipment such as distribution boards increased significantly from 50 cases last year to 94 cases this year. On the other hand, fires related to seasonal devices such as air conditioners and fans decreased from 56 cases to 25 cases.

A Gyeonggi Fire Headquarters official explained, "Due to the heavy rainfall, the proportion of electrical equipment fires increased because of water infiltration, while fires related to seasonal devices decreased due to reduced usage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.