'Fire-Safe Cultural Heritage'... Gyeonggi Fire Department Operates Fire Safety Week Until the 14th

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters is operating the 'Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week' until the 14th of this month in observance of Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day (February 10).

The Fire and Disaster Headquarters has been running the Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week since last year to help residents and staff learn the history of local cultural heritage by fire station, protect cultural heritage from fires and similar disasters, and encourage interest in cultural heritage.

During the safety week, the Fire and Disaster Headquarters will have fire station chiefs conduct on-site administrative guidance at a total of 367 locations, focusing on wooden cultural heritage such as temples, as well as natural monuments and exhibition halls. During site visits, they will provide guidance on fire facility safety management and initial fire suppression techniques in case of fire, and support the installation of fire alarms.

Fire suppression training scene at Hwaseong Haenggung, Suwon, conducted by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

In addition, national and public museums and art galleries will conduct joint fire safety inspections with related organizations and carry out training for the removal of exhibits in case of fire. For cultural heritage and natural monuments in the jurisdiction, on-site verification and satellite imagery will be used to check fire truck department locations and access routes for dispatch teams, conducting local adaptation training as well.

Jo Seon-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "Through the second operation of the 'Cultural Heritage Fire Safety Week' training following last year, we will strengthen our fire response capabilities for cultural heritage," and urged, "We ask many people to pay special attention to protecting precious cultural assets such as cultural heritage and natural monuments."

Meanwhile, the government designated February 10 as Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day in 2008 following the fire at National Treasure No. 1, Sungnyemun Gate.