[Column] November, the Beginning of Winter: Wishing for a Warm and Fire-Free Season

Kim Sangshik, Chief of Seosan Fire Station in Chungnam

Sangsik Kim, Chief of Seosan Fire Station, Chungnam

As the cold morning air brushes against our faces, we can sense that winter is just around the corner. While people on the streets are bundled up in thick coats, the bare branches of roadside trees signal the arrival of winter.

Although heating appliances bring warmth to every home, we must not forget the lurking risk of fire that comes with this comfort.

In Chungcheongnam-do, over the past five years (2019-2023), an average of about 569 fires (27.5%) have occurred each year during the winter season (December to February of the following year), with higher casualties from winter fires compared to other seasons.

Over the past five years, winter fire casualties in Chungcheongnam-do totaled 117 people, accounting for 27.9%, and 26 fire-related deaths, which is 31.3% of all fire deaths, the highest among all seasons.

As such, the incidence and casualty rates from fires are higher during winter, making extra attention to fire prevention essential.

In response, Seosan Fire Station has designated November as “Fire Prevention Emphasis Month” ahead of the high-risk winter season, making every effort to foster a nationwide atmosphere of fire prevention.

During winter, the use of heating appliances increases in homes, leading to more frequent fires. To ensure a safe winter by preventing fires, we urge everyone to follow these winter home fire safety guidelines.

First, for wood-burning boilers, overloading with fuel at once can cause overheating and radiant heat, which may spread fire to the surroundings. If flammable materials like firewood are stored nearby, a small fire can quickly escalate.

Firewood and other combustibles should be stored at least 2 meters away from wood-burning boilers, and a fire extinguisher should be kept nearby.

Second, for electric blankets and heaters, damage to heating wires or insulation caused by long-term storage can pose a fire risk, so always check for damage before use.

Additionally, bedding made from highly flammable materials such as latex should not be used with heating appliances for extended periods, as heat buildup can easily cause ignition.

Third, when using electrical heating devices, make sure to use products with the KC certification mark. For high-power appliances, avoid plugging multiple devices into a single outlet. Always check the rated capacity of the device and use outlets properly.

Fourth, install residential fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers and standalone smoke detectors).

Standalone smoke detectors, which are highly effective for early fire suppression, detect smoke and sound an alarm when a fire occurs. A fire extinguisher, when used properly in the early stages of a fire, can be as effective as a fire truck.

While following safety guidelines for heating appliances is important, it is also crucial to actively install residential fire safety equipment to protect precious lives and property in case a fire does occur.

So far, we have reviewed the winter home fire prevention safety guidelines. We hope you have a warm, fire-free winter by paying close attention to fire prevention during the cold season.