Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Kim Gi-seong Demands Securing High-Price Ladder Trucks

Kim Gi-seong, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Kim Ki-sung, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party, Damyang 2), pointed out the shortage of high-altitude ladder trucks for safety preparedness in case of fire and demanded measures to address this issue.

During the administrative audit of the Fire Department Headquarters, Assemblyman Kim mentioned the fire that occurred on the 8th of last month at a 33-story residential-commercial complex apartment in Nam-gu, Ulsan, stating, "The flames spread rapidly up the exterior wall of the building, and there was no ladder over 70 meters at the time, which could have led to a major casualty incident."

He continued, "We are fortunate that there were no significant casualties due to the firefighters' prompt response," and emphasized, "Jeonnam region also absolutely needs high-altitude ladder trucks over 70 meters to prepare for fires in high-rise buildings."

Furthermore, he said, "Currently, there are 21 buildings over 30 stories in seven locations including Mokpo, Suncheon, Naju, and Gwangyang, and high-rise buildings continue to be constructed not only in large cities but also throughout Jeonnam," adding, "Firefighting equipment capable of responding to this must be secured as soon as possible."

Currently, there are a total of 27 fire ladder trucks distributed across Jeonnam, including 11 fire ladder trucks with a maximum height of 53 meters. Following the Ulsan fire, the National Fire Agency is recommending to the National Assembly the allocation of vehicles to cities and provinces without ladder trucks over 70 meters and is in the process of securing the budget.

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