Gyeonggi Fire Department Special Investigation Unit Uncovers Illegal Fire Facility Violations at 106 Complex Buildings

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Approximately 12% of complex buildings in Gyeonggi Province were found to have fire safety facility defects.

The Special Judicial Police of the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 28th that from April 1 to June 30, they randomly selected 897 complex buildings such as apartment complexes and commercial buildings within the province and conducted planned crackdowns and investigations on illegal acts related to fire safety laws, including blocking and closing fire safety facilities. They detected 153 defects in 106 locations, accounting for 12%. Among these, the Gyeonggi Fire Special Judicial Police filed criminal charges for 10 cases involving the closure and blocking of fire safety facilities.

In an apartment complex A in the Gyeonggi area, it was revealed that the fire alarm system, a fire safety facility that alerts fire through an alarm bell in case of fire (such as a receiver), was blocked from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day due to frequent malfunctions.

In the B mixed-use residential and commercial apartment, it was confirmed that the safety pin was fastened to disable the halogen compound fire extinguishing system (clean extinguishing system, etc.) used for initial fire suppression. The apartment management admitted that the safety pin was fastened due to complaints arising from continuous malfunctions.

Both apartments were booked on charges of violating the Fire Safety Facilities Act.

In addition, the Gyeonggi Fire Special Judicial Police decided to impose fines on 44 cases of negligence in fire safety manager duties, such as neglecting the maintenance of emergency stairs and fire doors, and failure to prepare fire safety plans.

Furthermore, administrative measures are planned for 99 cases including orders for corrective actions, on-site corrections, and notifications to relevant agencies.

A representative of the Gyeonggi Fire Headquarters stated, "This crackdown revealed that some complex buildings, including certain apartments in the province, still block fire safety facilities or neglect the management of evacuation and fire prevention facilities. We will continue to conduct periodic planned crackdowns and investigations to prevent large-scale fires, eradicate illegal acts, and ensure the safety of residents."

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