Gyeonggi Fire Department Issues 'Warning' Amid Repeated Barn Fires

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters recently issued a 'warning' following a series of barn fires occurring within the province.

According to the Fire and Disaster Headquarters, in the early morning of the 5th, a pigsty fire in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si resulted in the death of about 1,000 pigs. During the recent Lunar New Year holiday, three pigsty fires occurred in Gimpo and Icheon, killing approximately 600 pigs.

Analysis of the causes of the fires showed that electrical factors accounted for 116 cases, or 53%, indicating the need for increased attention to the safety management of electrical products such as heating equipment for barns and aging wiring.

Due to the nature of barns, strict restrictions are placed on the entry of external personnel to prevent livestock diseases, making on-site guidance for fire prevention difficult. Therefore, the interest of barn stakeholders in fire prevention is more required than in any other facility.

Jo Sun-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "It is necessary to pay close attention to preventing barn fires by replacing aging electrical products and wiring, and installing simple fire extinguishing tools that can be attached to distribution boards or outlets." He added, "We plan to continuously provide guidance and communicate about fire safety management with organizations such as the National Hanwoo Association, the Korea Pork Producers Association, and the Korea Poultry Association."

Meanwhile, over the past three years (2022?2024), there have been 218 barn fires in the province, resulting in 6 injuries and property damage worth 39 billion KRW.