Cold Wave Sparks Fire Increase as Usage Rises... "Ensure Electric Mats and Heating Wires Do Not Fold"

Electric Blanket Fires Increase 43% Over 3 Years
Property Damage Up 60%
"Safety Rules Must Be Followed When Installing, Using, and Storing"

In the early hours of the 3rd, a fire broke out in a single-story house in Namwon-si, Jeonbuk, resulting in the deaths of a man in his 80s and a woman in her 60s. The cause of the fire was 'overheating of an electric heating pad.' It was found that they, living on basic pension and disability allowance without proper jobs, had layered several electric heating pads instead of using a boiler to save on heating costs. Fire authorities are investigating, believing that heat accumulated inside the electric heating pad caused the fire.

As the severe cold wave begins in earnest, fire accidents caused by electric heating pads are rapidly increasing. Electric heating pads are considered a 'winter essential item' because they can maximize heating effects in a short time and help reduce heating costs. However, experts advise that since the elderly use them frequently and there is a high risk of fire and casualties, it is essential to be well aware of safety rules.

Electric heating pad [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

According to the Fire Agency on the 8th, fire accidents caused by electric heating pads increased by 43% over three years, from 179 cases in 2021 to 255 cases in 2023. During the same period, property damage increased by more than 60%, from 1.294 billion KRW to 2.099 billion KRW.

In particular, electric heating pad fire accidents were concentrated between December and February, when the severe cold begins. Over the past three years, the average monthly number of electric heating pad fire accidents between December and February was 114.6 cases, more than twice the overall monthly average of 56.3 cases.

The most common cause of fire was 'electrical factors' (50.1%), such as poor wire contact, followed by 'mechanical factors' (23.9%) and 'user negligence' (19.4%). A Fire Agency official said, "Electric heating pad fire accidents are concentrated every winter, especially in small-room villages and rural fishing villages with a high proportion of elderly living alone, causing significant human and property damage. Since many people find it difficult to evacuate quickly in emergencies, special caution is required when using them."

Experts advise that since fires caused by abnormalities in the heating wires inside electric heating pads are frequent, users should learn the correct usage rules for each stage, including installation, use, and storage. When installing, avoid using them on beds or sofas that do not meet specifications, and it is best to secure the four corners of the heating pad with sturdy objects. Maintain a distance of about 60 cm between the outlet and the electric heating pad to ensure smooth current circulation.

Professor Kim Sang-sik of the Department of Fire Administration at Woosuk University said, "If the electric heating pad is folded, the heating wire in the folded part may break or be damaged, causing sparks that can lead to fire. Therefore, care should be taken to secure the heating pad with sturdy objects during installation to prevent folding."

When using, avoid leaving the electric heating pad on at high temperatures for long periods and do not use it together with thick blankets or latex products that are vulnerable to fire. This is because if heat is not released for a long time and accumulates, the risk of ignition increases. If you take out an old electric heating pad after a long time, it is also a good idea to check the condition of the heating wire before use.

If the temperature of the heating wire rises and cools repeatedly, the wire coating weakens, causing the vinyl wire to peel off. In this case, the heating wire may stick to the electric heating pad and cause a fire. If only a specific part generates excessive heat when the power is connected, or if you feel uneven heating wires when touching the pad, do not use it. When storing, roll it up with newspaper or similar materials to prevent damage to the heating wire, and be careful not to store it under heavy objects or in humid places.

Professor Lee Young-joo of the Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention at the University of Seoul explained, "Since electric heating pads are only taken out in winter, many people use old products without caution or fail to follow safety rules. Additionally, when using them outdoors during winter camping, check the power consumption and be careful not to overheat the wires."