Last Year's Fire Damage Mitigation Effect, a Whopping 62 Trillion Won

Rapid Initial Evolution and More, Saving Over 1.5 Billion Won Per Case on Average

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 21st that the 'fire damage mitigation amount' prevented by the rapid initial extinguishing efforts of firefighters throughout 2022 reached approximately 62 trillion won.

The 'fire damage mitigation amount' is calculated by subtracting the 'fire damage amount' estimated by fire investigators after the fire from the 'actual property damage amount (estimated total loss amount)' that would have occurred if the fire had spread inside the building and to adjacent buildings. The more firefighters prevent the spread of the fire at the scene and reduce economic losses, the higher the mitigation amount.

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According to statistics from the National Fire Information System of the National Fire Agency, a total of 40,113 fires occurred last year, resulting in 2,664 casualties (341 deaths, 2,323 injuries) and approximately 1.207 trillion won in property damage estimated by the fire department. This property damage amount was reduced by about 62.9 trillion won from the estimated total loss amount of approximately 64.1 trillion won, representing a reduction of more than 53 times in damage losses.

Kim Jo-il, Director of the 119 Response Bureau at the National Fire Agency, said, “This was possible thanks to the prompt 119 reports by the public and the full-scale response of fire agencies, reflecting the joint efforts of both the public and private sectors.” He added, “We ask for the active participation and cooperation of the public in continuing voluntary fire education and training and fostering a culture of yielding for the emergency dispatch of fire brigades.”