Arsonist of Empty House Revealed... Beware of Fire Caused by Pets 'Yaongi' and 'Gangaji'

Jeju, Two Fires in March Both Caused by Cats
Pet-Related Fires Also Increasing Rapidly in Seoul
Experts "Facility Inspection Essential When Going Out"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] It has recently been revealed that two fires that occurred in Jeju Island were caused by cats. As the number of households raising pets increases, fires caused by pets are also occurring frequently, calling for caution.

Experts urge pet owners to always check their facilities before going out.

According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, a fire broke out at an officetel in Donghong-dong, Seogwipo City, at 9:53 p.m. on March 19, causing property damage worth 1.95 million won.

At the time of the incident, a cat was left alone in the house. According to the fire investigation, while the owner was out, the cat roaming around the house operated the electric range, which ignited a volume-based waste bag nearby, spreading the fire.

A similar fire occurred in Jeju on the 14th of the same month. At a restaurant in Geonip-dong, a stray cat entered the restaurant and pressed the electric range button, causing paper and wood nearby to catch fire, resulting in property damage of about 24 million won.

The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters stated that cases of fires caused by pets such as dogs and cats are increasing recently and urged caution regarding fires caused by pets.

According to the Fire Safety Headquarters on the 12th, a total of 24 electric range (induction, highlight) fires have occurred in Jeju over the past five years, and 8 cases (33%) were caused by pets.

File photo. As fires caused by pets continue to occur, caution is being advised. Photo by Yonhap News

Fires caused by pets in Seoul have also been steadily increasing. According to statistics released by the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters in 2019, fires caused by pets in Seoul surged from 8 cases in 2016, 7 cases in 2017, 19 cases in 2018, to 31 cases by the end of September 2019.

Out of a total of 65 cases, 62 were fires caused by cats. By type, 64 cases were electric range fires, and 1 case was a stand lamp fire. Most electric range fires occurred when cats stepped on the electric range switch, igniting combustible objects such as dishes or paper towels.

It is analyzed that related accidents are also increasing as the number of households raising pets has surged recently. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as of last year, the pet ownership rate was 27.7% of all respondents, estimated to be 6.38 million households nationwide.

This is an increase of 470,000 households compared to the previous year (2019) and a 39.6% increase compared to five years ago. Additionally, there are 6.02 million pet dogs and 2.58 million pet cats being raised.

Since fires caused by pets can potentially lead to major accidents, careful attention from pet owners is necessary.

A 20-something office worker named Kim, who owns a pet cat, said, "Cats especially have great jumping ability and can climb anywhere and touch anything. To prevent fires, I have used a cover on the induction stove since I started raising my cat," adding, "I also try not to place objects that are easily knocked over, sharp, or dangerous, and I turn off or unplug electronic devices that pose a fire risk."

Experts urge households with pets to always check their facilities before going out.

Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, explained, "There are frequent cases where pets touch devices or equipment when left alone at home, leading to fires. Households with pets should check their facilities at least once before going out," adding, "Machines like touch-type induction stoves and electric ranges, which are widely used recently, can be easily ignited by pets’ paw touches and pose a high fire risk."

He continued, "Pet fire accidents are not someone else’s problem. Owners should always keep in mind that fires or other dangerous accidents can occur due to pets left alone and pay close attention."