Unauthorized Use of Hazardous Materials Detected in Fire-Prone Areas of Northern Gyeonggi

Gyeonggi-do Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, 18 Cases Referred to Prosecution
Total 11,550 Sites Inspected... 1,895 Sites Caught

Photo by Gyeonggi-do Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] It has been revealed that among the fire-prone factors in the northern Gyeonggi region, there were cases of unauthorized handling and use of hazardous materials.

In particular, in November last year, a complex building in Yangju City, A, was found to have its fire-fighting facilities closed and blocked, and despite being caught, it failed to comply with the fire authorities' second order for corrective action, resulting in legal action.

According to the Northern Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 11th, the '2022 Fire Safety Investigation and Fire Safety Inspection' identified 1,895 cases of poor conditions such as blocking of fire-fighting facilities.

Among these, 18 cases of unauthorized handling and use of hazardous materials were sent to the prosecution, and fines were imposed on 240 cases including defective evacuation and fire prevention facilities and blocking of fire-fighting facilities.

For 1,629 cases of poor conditions, corrective orders were issued, and 150 cases were notified to the relevant city and county authorities.

The Fire Headquarters conducted inspections on a total of 11,550 sites last year, including 2,197 neighborhood living facilities, 2,263 complex buildings, 1,216 educational and research facilities, 689 office facilities, and 238 factories, focusing on the work status of fire safety managers, maintenance of fire-fighting, evacuation, and fire prevention facilities, and unauthorized handling of hazardous materials.

In particular, inspections were strengthened at new construction sites and goshiwons, and special crackdowns were conducted in densely populated areas such as small factories to block fire risk factors.

Godeok-geun, head of the Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "This year, we will operate the Northern Gyeonggi Fire Safety Investigation Team composed of private external experts and related organizations to focus on areas expected to suffer significant social and economic damage, and eradicate repetitive illegal activities."