Korea Consumer Agency, National Fire Research Institute and Other Agencies
27 Fires Caused by Ethanolization in the Past Two and a Half Years

As the so-called 'bulmeong'?relaxing while watching flames?has become popular recently, a consumer safety advisory has been issued regarding ethanol fireplaces, which are increasingly used indoors.

On the 15th, Yonhap News reported that the Korea Consumer Agency, the National Institute of Technology and Standards, and the National Fire Agency issued a consumer safety advisory for ethanol fireplaces, which are expected to see increased use during winter camping and indoors.

An ethanol fireplace is a product that generates warmth by burning ethanol flames. Recently, as more home camping enthusiasts enjoy the romance of camping at home, these fireplaces are widely used not only in camping tents but also in houses. However, fires caused by ethanol fireplaces are also increasing, requiring consumer caution.

Provided by Korea Consumer Agency

The Consumer Agency and the Fire Agency revealed that from 2022 to June of this year, there have been 27 fire incidents caused by ethanol fireplaces over two and a half years, with 9 people injured. When used in bright places, the flames of ethanol fireplaces are hard to see. Therefore, users often mistakenly think the flame has gone out due to lack of fuel and add more fuel, which can lead to explosions, fires, or burns.

In fact, on April 25th around 5 p.m., a fire broke out on the 12th floor of an apartment in Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, reportedly caused by adding fuel to an ethanol fireplace. When the fire started, three residents inside evacuated safely, resulting in no casualties, but the fire burned the interior of the home and was extinguished after about an hour.

The evacuated resident told the fire department, "I was pouring ethanol into the fireplace to enjoy 'bulmeong' in the room when the fire started."

There have also been cases where ethanol fireplaces tipped over, causing spilled fuel to ignite and lead to large fires. On April 20th last year, at around 10:47 p.m., a fire broke out on the 2nd floor of a 5-story apartment building in Songnae-dong, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, injuring one resident and causing an estimated property damage of 5.58 million won according to the fire department. The resident of the affected unit stated, "The ethanol fireplace I was using in the living room tipped over and caused the fire."

The Consumer Agency advised to prevent fires caused by ethanol fireplaces by ▲using the fireplace on a flat surface ▲not refilling fuel while burning or hot ▲using designated fire extinguishing tools in case of fire ▲not using in enclosed spaces. The three agencies, including the Consumer Agency, have produced and distributed promotional posters containing safety usage guidelines for ethanol fireplaces and will continue to cooperate to prevent fires in the future.