Jeonnam Fire Department Urges Special Caution When Using Wood-Burning Boilers

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Jeonnam Fire Headquarters (Chief Ma Jaeyoon) has urged special caution regarding the use of wood-fired boilers as winter approaches.

According to Jeonnam Fire on the 18th, among 136 heating device-related fires during the winter season (November to February) over the past three years (2018-2020) in the province, 47 were caused by wood-fired boilers, 23 by electric mats, 18 by electric heaters, 15 by household boilers, and 33 by others, with wood-fired boilers accounting for the highest proportion at 35%.

Of the 47 wood-fired boiler fires, 38 cases (80%) were due to negligence, making up the majority, followed by mechanical factors with 8 cases (17%) and unknown causes with 1 case (3%). Detailed negligence factors included placing combustible materials nearby in 23 cases and leaving embers, flames, or fire sources unattended in 10 cases.

Wood-fired boilers are widely used mainly in rural fishing and farming areas to save on heating costs.

Although usage frequency is expected to continue increasing for economic reasons, stacking large amounts of firewood around the boiler can cause sparks to fly and lead to fires.

Fire prevention guidelines for wood-fired boilers include ▲ keeping fuel such as wood at least 2 meters away from the boiler ▲ using designated fuels and not adding large amounts at once ▲ closing the fuel inlet after adding fuel ▲ placing fire extinguishers near the boiler ▲ not placing combustible materials near the chimney ▲ cleaning the chimney once every three months.

Fire Chief Ma Jaeyoon said, “When using wood-fired boilers, do not store combustible materials such as wood close to the boiler, and conduct regular inspections and cleaning,” adding, “Please keep fire extinguishers nearby to prepare for fires.”

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