Gyeongnam Fire Department Reports 29.3% Decrease in Total Dispatches During Lunar New Year Holiday

Increase in Residential Fire Incidents ... Judged to be Due to COVID-19 Impact

The Gyeongsangnam-do Fire Headquarters responded to 3,798 incidents, including fire suppression, from the 10th to the 14th.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] The Gyeongsangnam-do Fire Department announced on the 16th that it responded to a total of 3,798 dispatches during the Lunar New Year holiday period, protecting the precious lives and property of the residents.

The Gyeongnam Fire Department conducted special alert duty from the 10th to the 14th to reduce fire damage and ensure rapid on-site response during the Lunar New Year holiday.

A total of 13,670 personnel, including firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and 649 pieces of equipment such as fire trucks, fireboats, and helicopters were mobilized for this special alert duty.

The dispatch record totaled 3,798 cases, including 54 fires, 299 rescues, 1,176 emergency medical services, 255 daily safety incidents, and 2,014 medical consultations, with no fatalities or resident casualties reported.

Overall fire department activities decreased by 29.3% compared to last year, with major decreases in emergency medical services, medical consultations, and guidance sectors.

On the other hand, the number of residential fires increased. During last year’s Lunar New Year holiday, a total of 5 fires occurred, whereas this year, a total of 17 residential fires were reported during the holiday period.

A fire department official estimated that the decrease in emergency dispatches and the increase in residential fires were due to the stay-at-home culture and social distancing measures caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Although the number of residential fires increased, there was no significant damage to lives or property due to the widespread installation of residential fire safety equipment. Using residential fire safety facilities, the spread of fire was prevented in 4 out of the 17 total residential fires.

Kim Joil, head of the Gyeongnam Fire Department, said, "I thank the firefighters who tirelessly operated fire trucks during the holiday period for the safe Lunar New Year of the residents, and the residents who contributed to reducing accidents with mature safety awareness." He added, "As the risk of residential fires increases due to COVID-19, we ask for residents’ interest and participation in installing residential fire safety equipment."

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