14 Vehicle Scrap Yard Fires in Gyeongnam Over 5 Years... Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters Implements Safety Measures

Sudden Inspection of Junkyards, Sending Official Letters, and Maintenance of Fire Water Facilities Near Junkyards

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] The Gyeongsangnam-do Fire Headquarters announced on the 6th that it will implement urgent fire safety measures, including surprise fire inspections, at 40 scrapyards within the province.

According to the Fire Headquarters, a total of 14 scrapyard fires have occurred over the past five years, resulting in property damage exceeding 700 million won.

Among the 14 cases, 6 fires occurred during work involving fire sources such as cutting and welding.

This measure was promoted due to the lack of firefighting facilities to respond when fires break out in scrap vehicles, the long time required to extinguish such fires, and the frequent occurrence of fires during various operations such as cutting and welding of scrap vehicles.

Specifically, the measures include surprise inspections of scrapyard fire safety management to check the maintenance status of firefighting facilities and compliance with regulations when handling containers for gas welding, among other things.

Additionally, letters signed by the fire station chief will be sent to guide fire prevention rules for welding and cutting work, strengthening voluntary safety management. Fire water facilities near scrapyards will be maintained to supply firefighting water quickly in case of fire.

Based on the results of these measures, plans include securing fire extinguishing activity zones within scrapyard workplaces and mandating the installation of firefighting water facilities in outdoor scrapyards, with proposals for institutional improvements to be submitted to the National Fire Agency.