Ministry of the Interior and Safety Conducts Fire Inspections at Traditional Markets and Aging Apartments Ahead of Holidays

Director Lee Hangyeong of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters visits Gwangju Yangdong Market
and Kumho 2nd Apartment to hear fire prevention measures

Lee Han-kyung, Director of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters, visited traditional markets and old apartment complexes in the Gwangju area on the 26th ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday to inspect fire safety management conditions.

On that day, Director Lee listened to fire prevention measures from the Market Merchants Association at Gwangju Yangdong Market. Afterwards, he directly inspected safety management conditions related to electricity, gas, and firefighting, and delivered fire prevention supplies such as fire extinguishers and power strips.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Gwangju Yangdong Market, a traditional market opened in 1969, is visited by an estimated 5,000 people daily. In the past 10 years, there have been eight fires reported solely at Yangdong Market.

Director Lee especially urged thorough fire safety management at each store, such as cutting off unused electricity and gas and placing fire extinguishers in visible locations, since accidents during the Lunar New Year period, when the number of visitors surges and heating devices are used more frequently, could lead to significant casualties and property damage.

Additionally, Director Lee visited Gwangju Kumho 2nd Apartment Complex, which was approved for use in 1985, to inspect fire safety measures, firefighting, and evacuation facilities. He also checked how fire evacuation behavior guidelines are being promoted to residents within the apartment complex.

Director Lee emphasized, "As the risk of fire in traditional markets increases due to the stacking of merchandise and the surge in the use of heating devices ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, please refrain from using multi-plug outlets and conduct night patrols to make efforts for fire prevention on your own."

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