'Prevent a Second Sungnyemun Fire'... Gyeonggi Fire Department Conducts Cultural Heritage Fire Prevention Drill

Cultural Heritage Firefighting Drill by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters will operate a "Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week" for one week from the 5th to the 11th in celebration of "Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day" on the 10th.

The Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week is the first initiative of its kind created and implemented this year by the provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters. It is designed to help familiarize each fire station with the history of local cultural heritage sites, protect them from fires and similar disasters, and encourage both residents and staff to take an active interest in cultural heritage.

During this period, the provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters will conduct on-site administrative guidance led by fire station chiefs, focusing mainly on wooden cultural heritage sites such as temples.

Additionally, fire-vulnerable cultural heritage sites within the jurisdiction will be identified, and on-site adaptation training including vehicle deployment and fire suppression will be carried out.

In particular, using internet portal services and satellite images, the terrain conditions around cultural heritage sites and historic sites, as well as fire truck access routes, will be pre-assessed, and a cultural campaign for fire prevention safety of cultural heritage will be promoted.

Jo Seon-ho, head of the provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "Through the Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week training, we will review the fire response system for cultural heritage and strengthen our ability to respond quickly in case of fire." He also urged, "We ask all residents to pay special attention to fire safety for cultural heritage."

The government designated February 10th as Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day following the fire at National Treasure No. 1, Sungnyemun Gate, in February 2008. The day aims to safely protect cultural heritage from fires and other disasters and to raise public awareness of cultural heritage safety management.