Collecting 119 Won Daily, Firefighters' Support Surpasses 1.2 Billion Won

Incheon Firefighters' '119 Won Miracle' Campaign
Discussing Support for Medical Expenses for Burned Children

Firefighters belonging to the Incheon Fire Headquarters have raised over 1.2 billion KRW through the '119 Won Miracle' campaign, which was first launched in 2019 to support accident victims.

According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters on the 16th, this campaign, which started in August 2019, has raised a total of 1.23 billion KRW as of December last year.

Starting with 24 million KRW in 2019, the amount increased to 160 million KRW in 2020, 210 million KRW in 2021, 260 million KRW in 2022, and 290 million KRW in 2023. Last year alone, 260 million KRW was collected.

The campaign was initiated by firefighters' suggestion. By collecting 119 KRW daily, it helps victims of fires or accidents. If an individual donates 119 KRW every day, it amounts to about 3,570 KRW per month and approximately 40,000 KRW per year. So far, 4,500 people have participated, surpassing 1.2 billion KRW in five years.

The scene of the villa fire where an 8-year-old younger sibling died and a 10-year-old older brother suffered burns. Photo by Yonhap News (provided by Incheon Fire Headquarters)

Participants in the campaign include 2,400 firefighters as well as company employees and self-employed individuals. Of the total funds raised, 420 million KRW has been delivered to 96 households affected by fires or accidents.

A couple raising three children in Incheon lost half of their house in a fire that broke out in the early morning of April 2021. However, since they were not covered by fire insurance, they had to bear damages exceeding 70 million KRW. The family of five, who lost their home overnight, had to stay at relatives' houses for a while, and the eldest daughter and father, who suffered burns while evacuating during the fire, required hospital treatment. The Incheon Fire Headquarters provided this couple with 3.5 million KRW from the raised funds for medical expenses and emergency living costs.

In 2020, a fire occurred while the mother was out, severely burning two brothers aged 10 and 8. The 8-year-old younger brother passed away after 37 days, and the 10-year-old elder brother suffered third-degree burns and underwent skin graft surgery. They were supported with 5 million KRW. This fire was initially reported to have started when the young brothers were alone at home trying to prepare ramen, but police investigations confirmed that the fire spread into a large blaze after flammable materials were placed near a gas stove that had been left on.

According to the campaign’s operating regulations, only socially vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood security recipients or elderly living alone are eligible for support. As a result, some victims did not receive assistance. The Incheon Fire Headquarters has determined that support is also necessary for people in difficult circumstances.

The Fire Headquarters is currently discussing expanding emergency living expense support and providing medical treatment costs for children with burns. Although this campaign started in Incheon, it is spreading to fire headquarters nationwide. The Incheon Fire Headquarters plans to revise the operating regulations soon to enable more victims to receive help.