“Our Equipment, By Our Hands” … Gyeongbuk Fire Department Saves 13 Billion Won Budget Through Self-Maintenance of Fire Trucks and Equipment

Inspection of 605 Vehicles and 3,415 Respiratory Protection Equipment Items

Firefighters receiving maintenance training at the Fire Equipment Management Center. The Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters Fire Equipment Management Center saved approximately 13 billion KRW in budget over 10 years by performing in-house maintenance of fire trucks and suppression equipment.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters has maintained 100% operational status of all fire trucks and firefighting equipment in the region through in-house maintenance, achieving a budget saving effect of over 13 billion KRW over 10 years.

In 2011, the Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters opened the Fire Equipment Management Center, the first of its kind nationwide, staffed with about 10 firefighters holding professional certifications and equipped with the latest maintenance facilities to perform in-house repairs.

Since the center's opening, the maintenance budget has been steadily reduced. Last year, 605 fire trucks were repaired 1,516 times, and 3,415 pieces of breathing protection equipment were maintained, saving 1.3 billion KRW in budget.

The headquarters emphasized, "Prompt maintenance of essential equipment for field operations is directly linked to the health and lives of firefighters," adding, "The center is like a hidden gem within the firefighting organization."

Although maintenance inspections and equipment operation training increase every year, the site is cramped, and there is a severe shortage of training facilities and operational personnel, making the relocation and expansion of the facility urgent.

Director Lee Youngpal stated, "To respond perfectly at disaster sites, it is crucial that firefighting equipment operates normally," and added, "We will devote all efforts to equipment maintenance and inspection to protect the safety of our personnel, save budget, and minimize gaps in fire truck dispatch."

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