"Skillful Handling of Fire Hose Revealed" Identity of Man Who Extinguished Fire Barehanded at Gimpo Apartment

Mapo Fire Station Firefighter Yang Il-gon
Reported Fire Immediately Upon Witnessing and Extinguished
Extinguished Within 15 Minutes, Preventing Casualties

A story about a firefighter who fought a fire barehanded has attracted attention after a fire broke out in an apartment in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province.

Fire Sergeant Yang Il-gon [Photo by Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters]

On the 7th, a story about Mr. A, who works as a building manager at an apartment in Gimpo, was posted on the "Let's Compliment" board on the Seoul city website.

At around 10 a.m. on the 4th, Mr. A headed to the fire scene after a fire broke out in one of the units in the apartment he manages. He then witnessed someone inside the burning unit changing the direction of the fire hose and putting out the fire.

Mr. A explained the scene he witnessed, saying, "The way the fire hose was handled seemed somewhat skilled, and the way the fire was being extinguished did not look like it was someone holding a fire hose for the first time."

He added, "After the fire was completely extinguished, the person did not show themselves at all, so I tried to find out to at least thank them, and it turned out to be firefighter Yang Il-gon from Mapo Fire Station."

According to the Seoul Fire & Disaster Headquarters, Firefighter Yang was off duty that day. On his way home after running personal errands, he witnessed a fire outside the apartment, immediately reported it to 119, and headed to the fire scene.

He found the indoor fire hydrant installed on the floor, rang the emergency bell to alert others of the fire, evacuated two elementary school students inside the unit, connected the fire hose, and began extinguishing the fire.

Thanks to Firefighter Yang’s quick response, the fire was completely put out within 15 minutes, and no casualties were reported.

Mr. A said, "I want to express my gratitude to Firefighter Yang Il-gon of Mapo Fire Station, who showed exemplary dedication by risking his life on the front lines of disaster to protect citizens' safety." He added, "I am thankful once again for protecting the residents' lives and property by demonstrating professionalism at the fire scene barehanded without any equipment during his off-duty hours."