Gyeonggi Fire Department to Take Strict Action Against Assaults on Firefighters During Lunar New Year Holiday

Scene of firefighter assault

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 7th that it will take strong measures against assaults on firefighters during the Lunar New Year holiday.

According to the Fire and Disaster Headquarters, there were 73 cases last year where firefighters who responded to emergency calls were subjected to severe verbal abuse or physical assault. Of these, 49 cases, accounting for 67%, occurred while the perpetrators were intoxicated. This means that two out of every three incidents of verbal or physical assault on firefighters happened after drinking.

In fact, last November, five firefighters who responded to a report of a person unable to control their body on a busy street in Seongnam City were assaulted by the patient while providing emergency treatment and transporting them to the hospital. All five sustained injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment after being struck on the head and shin. The patient was intoxicated at the time.

Earlier this year, a firefighter engaged in emergency activities inside an elevator in Yongin was assaulted by an intoxicated patient during transport, resulting in facial abrasions and bruises.

Under the current Fire Services Act and Article 119 of the Rescue and Emergency Medical Act, it is stipulated that "when a crime is committed by assault or threat in a state of mental or physical impairment due to alcohol or drugs, intoxication mitigation may not be applied." Perpetrators who assault firefighters are subject to up to five years imprisonment or fines up to 50 million won under the Fire Services Act and the Rescue and Emergency Medical Act.

Jo Sun-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "When incidents of verbal abuse or assault on firefighters occur, the Fire Special Judicial Police will conduct fair and strict investigations and must punish offenders firmly," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that all residents can have a safe and comfortable holiday this Lunar New Year."

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