Focused Discussions on Holiday Fire Safety Measures Inspection and Integrity Innovation Plans
[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 18th that it will hold a nationwide meeting of major fire commanders to discuss fire safety measures for the Lunar New Year holiday and plans to promote integrity innovation.
The meeting was attended by key executives of the National Fire Agency and fire chiefs from cities and provinces nationwide, and was conducted via video conference to minimize gaps in on-site command. The agenda includes ▲inspection of fire prevention measures for the Lunar New Year holiday, ▲discussion of future plans related to the Itaewon disaster, and ▲pledges for integrity innovation within the fire organization.
First, in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday, the progress of fire prevention measures by region will be reviewed, emphasizing preemptive preparation and response readiness. Since December 28 of last year, the National Fire Agency has conducted inspections of multi-use facilities (35,284 locations) such as traditional markets and lodging facilities, as well as guidance visits to fire-vulnerable residential facilities (5,454 locations) such as jjokbangchon (small room villages). Additionally, special alert duty will be implemented at fire stations nationwide during the Lunar New Year period to strengthen the agency’s all-out response posture.
Alongside this, improvement plans related to the Itaewon disaster will be discussed with fire commanders nationwide and promptly pursued. Key discussion points include establishing a rapid situation reporting and dissemination system through restructuring of situation management functions, reorganizing the 119 on-site emergency medical system to be professional and systematic in preparation for mass casualty disasters, and establishing a swift and accurate on-site command system. Furthermore, safety management measures such as operating on-site situation rooms will be discussed to prevent recurrence of similar accidents at large-scale festivals and event venues scheduled for this year.
Moreover, the 'National Fire Agency Integrity Innovation Promotion Plan' will be shared nationwide, and a commitment to innovation will be made to foster a culture of integrity in public service by eradicating negative practices. The 'National Fire Agency Integrity Innovation Promotion Plan' is a recommendation prepared in December last year by the 'National Fire Agency Integrity Innovation Committee,' composed of seven external experts, and consists of 9 promotion directions and 26 detailed tasks across three areas (personnel, contracts, and integrity).
Nam Hwayeong, Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, stated, “The highest mission of firefighting is ‘the safety of the people!’ and nothing else,” adding, “We will do our utmost to ensure that all citizens are safe anytime and anywhere during the Lunar New Year holiday.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
