Jeonnam Fire Department Prevents Casualties from Large Winter Fires

'Fire Safety Measures' to be Implemented by February Next Year

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Jeonnam Fire Headquarters will implement the 'Winter Fire Safety Measures' from November to February next year in preparation for the frequent fires during the winter season.

According to Jeonnam Fire on the 2nd, the average number of fires during the winter season (November to February) over the past five years was 960 per year.

Compared to the annual average of 7.2 fires per day, the winter season (November to February) sees an average of 8.3 fires per day, which is 1.1 more fires occurring during winter.

The causes of fires are 60.9% due to carelessness, 18.3% electrical causes, and 8.6% mechanical factors, in that order.

Among the causes of carelessness, burning garbage accounts for 30.2%, leaving embers unattended 19.8%, cigarette butts 13.9%, and burning fields or forests 7.6%.

Jeonnam Fire has selected seven strategies and 27 key tasks to pursue with the goal of "reducing casualties caused by large-scale fires in winter."

The seven strategies are ▲ Strengthening fire safety management of specific fire targets ▲ Eliminating fire risk factors within facilities ▲ Enhancing response capabilities for fire-vulnerable groups ▲ Promoting fire safety inspections ▲ Improving fire safety management systems ▲ Public fire safety awareness activities for residents ▲ Special local policies.

First, for places with high fire risk in winter such as traditional markets and construction sites, they plan to encourage voluntary safety management by related parties, remove fire vulnerabilities in advance through joint inspections with related organizations, and ensure normal maintenance and management of fire facilities.

In particular, agricultural wholesale markets, sales and medical facilities will undergo more precise special fire investigations regarding fire facilities, evacuation and fire prevention facilities, and building safety management with the participation of private experts.

For evacuation-vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes and long-term care hospitals where large casualties are feared in case of fire, evacuation guidance videos titled ‘Evacuate First When Fire Occurs’ will be screened, and safety environments for resident evacuation will be created by reinforcing bedridden patient presence indicators and fire alarms.

Additionally, fire safety facilities for residential use will be supplied to underground houses, and various social network services such as electronic display boards and bus information systems will be used for publicity to spread the atmosphere of fire prevention during winter.

Kim Joil, head of the Fire Headquarters, said, “The proportion of fires in winter is higher than other periods, and the cause is carelessness accounting for more than half,” adding, “We will strive to prevent even a single large-scale fire through proactive prevention and response activities.”

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