Jeonnam Fire Department Urges Caution Against Electrical Appliance Fires in Summer

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Jeonnam Fire Headquarters (Chief Kim Joil) has urged special caution regarding electrical fires caused by cooling devices ahead of the summer season.

According to the Jeonnam Fire Headquarters on the 15th, over the past five years (2017?2021), there were 2,839 fires during the summer months (June to August), resulting in 132 casualties (17 deaths and 106 injuries) and property damage worth approximately 34 billion KRW.

Among these, fires caused by electrical factors accounted for 757 cases, representing 26.6% of summer fires, causing 10 casualties (1 death and 9 injuries) and property damage worth about 13.3 billion KRW.

Specifically, short circuits due to aging wiring accounted for the majority with 611 cases (80.7%), followed by overheating and overload with 78 cases (10.3%).

By location, residential facilities accounted for 183 cases (24.2%), industrial facilities such as factories 166 cases (21.9%), and other buildings 110 cases (14.5%), in that order.

Additionally, during the same period, there were 83 fires involving seasonal products such as cooling devices, causing property damage worth approximately 1.5 billion KRW.

By product, fan and air conditioner fires accounted for 57 cases (68.7%), and by location, residential facilities had the highest number with 32 cases (38.6%).

To prevent electrical fires, safety measures include turning off power when cooling devices are not in use, prohibiting combustible materials near outdoor units, installing leakage and overcurrent breakers, and checking for twisted electrical wiring.

Kim Joil, Chief of Jeonnam Fire Headquarters, stated, “This summer is expected to be hotter than usual, so it is important to inspect air conditioners and fans before use and to follow safety guidelines during operation.”

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