3226 Fires Occurred in Gyeongbuk Last Year, 13% Increase... Casualties Decreased

INFP 9.1% Decrease, Property Damage 670% Increase

A large forest fire that occurred in Uljin in March 2022. [Image source=Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Koo Dae-seon] Although the number of fires in the Gyeongbuk region increased compared to the previous year, casualties have decreased.

The Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters announced on the 2nd that the analysis of fire occurrences in Gyeongbuk in 2022 showed 3,226 fire incidents, 190 casualties (22 deaths, 168 injuries), and property damage amounting to approximately 293.7 billion KRW.

The number of fire incidents increased by 377 cases (13.2%) compared to 2021, but casualties decreased by 19 people (9.1%).

Property damage increased by 255.6 billion KRW (670%) compared to the previous year, which is attributed to the large-scale property damage caused by the Uljin wildfire in March (170.5 billion KRW).

Looking at the occurrence by location, 898 cases (27.8%) occurred outdoors and on roads, 684 cases (21.2%) in residential facilities such as single-family houses and apartment complexes, 505 cases (15.7%) in industrial facilities such as factories and warehouses, and 454 cases (14.1%) in automobiles and railroads.

By cause, fires due to carelessness accounted for 1,430 cases (44.3%), electrical causes 591 cases (18.3%), unknown causes 555 cases (17.2%), and mechanical causes such as overheating and aging 391 cases (12.1%) in order of frequency.

The main cause of careless fires was leaving embers and flames unattended, accounting for 291 cases (20.3%), which is a higher proportion compared to the national standard of 2,776 cases (14.2%) of unattended embers.

This is believed to be due to the characteristics of rural fishing and farming areas where burning of agricultural waste and field edges is frequent.

Lee Young-pal, head of the Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters, said, “In 2023, we will do our best to promote fire safety policies that thoroughly prepare for fires and other disasters to ensure the safe and happy lives of the residents.”