Gyeonggi-do Fire Department Reports Highest Annual Number of Negligence Fires in January

In January, Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest number of fires caused by negligence. The photo shows the remaining embers after the fire. Photo by Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] It has been revealed that accidental fires occur most frequently in January in Gyeonggi Province.

According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 26th, an analysis of monthly fire occurrences in the province over the past 10 years showed that January averaged 930 fires, which is 136 more than the annual monthly average of 794.

Looking at the causes of fires in January, negligence accounted for the largest portion with 388 cases, or 42% of the total 930 fires. This was followed by electrical causes with 253 cases and mechanical causes with 141 cases.

Among negligence-related fires, cigarette butts accounted for the largest share with 116 cases. This was followed by ▲ unattended fire sources (77 cases) ▲ flammable materials left nearby (43 cases) ▲ cooking food (42 cases).

Leaving fire sources such as embers and flames unattended was 31 cases higher than the monthly average of 46 cases. Fires caused by flammable materials left nearby also occurred 43 times in January, about twice the monthly average of 21 cases.

Accordingly, the Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters urged people to refrain from unnecessary burning activities and not to leave the site until embers are completely extinguished when burning. They also requested that when handling potential fire sources, prior notification be given to the local fire station.

The Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters has been issuing monthly fire safety advisories like weather forecasts since last August, based on big data of fire occurrence types over the past 10 years.

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