Gwangju Seobu Fire Station: "Vehicle Fire Extinguishers Are Mandatory"

[Asia Economy Honam News Bureau, reporter Park Jinhyung] On December 6, the Gwangju Seobu Fire Station urged the public to install fire extinguishers in their vehicles to prepare for car fires, as the number of traffic accidents on icy roads continues to rise with the onset of winter.

According to statistics, an average of 14 vehicle fires occur per day during the winter season.

Most winter vehicle fires are caused either by electrical or mechanical factors while driving, or by traffic accidents. If a fire extinguisher is not available at the scene, it may be impossible to contain the fire in its early stages, leading to greater damage.

Under the revised Firefighting Facilities Installation and Maintenance Act, which will take effect from December 1, 2024, all vehicles with five or more seats will be required to have a fire extinguisher installed.

Vehicle fire extinguishers must have both the National Fire Agency’s type approval and a label stating “For Automotive Use” on the top of the container.

In addition, the fire extinguisher must be installed within reach of the driver in passenger cars, and in a location easily accessible to passengers and companions in vans or larger vehicles.

It is important to note that storing the fire extinguisher in the trunk out of convenience or habit may render it useless in an emergency, as it will be difficult to access quickly.

An official from the Seobu Fire Station stated, “Since vehicles contain many flammable materials such as fuel and oil, fires can spread extremely quickly. Therefore, keeping a fire extinguisher in your vehicle is essential to minimize damage.”