Gyeonggi Fire Department Reports Most Air Conditioner Fires Occurred in August Over the Past Decade

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters has issued a 'Cooling Equipment Fire Warning' for August.

According to the 'Analysis of Fire Occurrence Trends in August Over the Past 10 Years' announced by the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 25th, fires involving cooling devices such as air conditioners and fans begin to increase from June, when their use rises, and peak in August, when the heatwave is at its worst.

During this period, air conditioner fires, which averaged 43 cases per month, were concentrated between June and August with 55 cases in June, 141 in July, and 157 in August. Fan fires, which averaged 24 cases per month, also peaked in August with 30 cases in June, 72 in July, and 88 in August.

The main cause of cooling device fires is electrical factors, accounting for 76% (396 out of 519 cases) of air conditioner fires and 64% (184 out of 288 cases) of fan fires. The primary causes include poor contact, damage, or short circuits in wiring. Mechanical factors such as overheating and aging accounted for 34% (97 cases) of fan fires.

Cooling device fires mostly occur in the afternoon to evening hours when temperatures rise.

Accordingly, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters urged ▲ cleaning and moisture prevention of external power meters, distribution boxes, indoor and outdoor outlets ▲ use of single wires without joints for indoor air conditioner units ▲ connection to dedicated air conditioner outlets, removal of combustible materials around outdoor units, and restraint from prolonged use.

A spokesperson from the Fire and Disaster Headquarters said, "As the use of cooling devices is expected to surge due to the heatwave in August, thorough inspection and safe use before operation are crucial," adding, "We will announce fire occurrence forecasts for the following month at the end of each month to encourage active public interest in fire prevention."

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