Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters Begins Special Alert Duty for Buddha's Birthday

Establishing Rapid Response System by Deploying Firefighting Forces Near 34 Major Temples in the Province

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] The Gyeongnam Provincial Fire Department announced on the 17th that it will begin special fire prevention alert duty from the 18th to the 20th in preparation for Buddha's Birthday.

The main contents of this special alert duty include strengthening the initial response system, establishing a 100% firefighting force readiness posture, deploying firefighting forces near 34 traditional temples, and conducting preventive patrols around temples and hiking trails.

According to statistics from the provincial fire department, there have been a total of 38 temple fires in Gyeongnam over the past five years. Casualties included one injury, and property damage amounted to 869 million KRW.

The main causes of fires were electrical issues with 15 cases (39.5%) and negligence with 11 cases (28.9%), accounting for 68.4% (26 cases) of all fires that could have been prevented through safety inspections.

Above all, an increase in the use of fire is expected around Buddha's Birthday, and the risk of fire is rising due to higher-than-average temperatures and dry weather conditions.

A Gyeongnam Fire Department official stated, "Due to recent hot and dry weather and strong winds, even a small spark can easily spread into a large forest fire," and added, "We ask visitors to maintain safety awareness and cooperate to ensure a safe Buddha's Birthday celebration."