Family of Five Siblings in Pyeongtaek Lost Their Home to Fire, Finds New Nest Through Collaboration Between Gyeonggi Fire Department and Related Agencies

The house of five siblings in Pyeongtaek, destroyed by fire on December 25 last year Photo by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] A large family who lost their home overnight due to a fire has found a new place to live thanks to the prompt response of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters and related organizations.

According to the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 25th, a fire broke out at Mr. A's house in Pyeongtaek City around 4:20 p.m. on December 25th last year. The fire was extinguished within about 30 minutes by the dispatched fire brigade. Fortunately, Mr. A's wife and their five children, from the eldest who is 5 years old to the youngest who is 4 months old, evacuated outside during the fire and escaped harm.

However, the house where Mr. A, his wife, and their five children lived harmoniously?a 150㎡ home with two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen?was completely burned down in an instant, causing property damage estimated at around 31 million won.

Having lost their home overnight, Mr. A and his wife temporarily stayed at an acquaintance’s house with their young children, and the fire investigation team came to learn of their unfortunate situation.

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters decided to support the restoration of the housing facility for the family with five children and first sought companies that could assist the fire victims. In response, S-Oil stepped forward to offer support.

The Pyeongtaek Fire Station also requested help from Pyeongtaek City and the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association. As a result, Pyeongtaek City provided waste disposal and living support funds, while the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association offered relief funds and supported the family’s residence in rental housing until the damaged house was fully restored.

Additionally, the Pyeongtaek Fire Station, together with the Pyeongtaek Volunteer Fire Brigade, pursued compensation for damages to forcibly disposed glass and door locks during on-site activities, and the staff also initiated a fundraising campaign.

As a result of the combined efforts of the fire department, local government, and relief organizations, full-scale restoration work including waste disposal and demolition began on the house of the five children on January 17th this year. The construction is expected to continue until next month, and the family is anticipated to move into the newly renovated home as early as mid-February.

Jo Sun-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "We will actively implement the 119 Safety Welfare Services, including the 'Warm Companion Gyeonggi 119 Project,' a donation campaign to support the living stability of vulnerable groups, so that those facing difficulties due to disasters can receive warm care."