Chungnam, Over 2,000 Fires Last Year Resulting in 86 Casualties

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Last year, over 2,000 fire incidents occurred in Chungnam, resulting in 86 casualties.

According to the '2022 Fire Incident Statistical Analysis' by the Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters on the 25th, a total of 2,157 fire incidents in Chungnam last year caused 16 deaths, 70 injuries, and property damage amounting to 40.8 billion KRW.

Fires occurred most frequently in residential facilities with 526 cases (24.4%), followed by industrial facilities with 418 cases (19.4%), and vehicles with 286 cases (13.3%). Additionally, 258 cases (12%) occurred in outdoor and road areas, and 137 cases (6.4%) in forested areas.

The leading cause of fires was negligence with 937 cases (43.4%), followed by electrical causes with 557 cases (25.8%), and mechanical causes with 307 cases (14.2%).

Among all casualties, 43 people (10 deaths and 33 injuries) were affected by fires in residential facilities.

In particular, 5 deaths (31.3%) and 29 injuries (41.4%) were caused by fires due to negligence.

By age group, 11 of the fire fatalities were elderly aged 60 or older, accounting for 68.8% of the total. In terms of location, 7 out of 10 fire deaths were people aged 60 or older.

Last year, forest fires increased by 71.3% (57 cases) compared to the previous year. This rise is analyzed to be influenced by climate changes such as drought from winter to early summer, localized strong winds, and negligence including arson.

Based on the fire statistical analysis, the Provincial Fire Headquarters plans to expand the installation of residential fire safety facilities such as fire detectors to prevent fires in residential areas.

Kim Yeon-sang, head of the Provincial Fire Headquarters, stated, “We will continue to conduct experiential safety education for residents and strengthen inspections and training for high-risk targets to protect the lives and property of residents safely from fires.”