Breaking Down Door to Rescue Person Leads to 8 Million Won Compensation Risk... Firefighters' Union Says "State Must Step In"

"Incidental Costs Incurred During Rescue Operations"
"National Support Needed for Safe Mission Execution"

As the fire authorities who forcibly opened doors to search for lives at the fire scene are now in a position to compensate for the damage to the front doors, the National Fire Safety Officials Labor Union urged the establishment of a national system, stating that the incidental costs incurred during the rescue process should be recognized.

On the 23rd, the Fire Officials Labor Union issued a statement regarding the fire incident that occurred in the early morning of the 11th of last month at a villa in Sinan-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. At that time, firefighters arrived at the scene and knocked on the doors of each unit to evacuate the residents inside. However, since it was early morning, six units did not respond to knocking, and the firefighters judged that residents might have been asleep or already inhaled smoke, so they forcibly opened the front doors. It was revealed that residents demanded compensation from the fire authorities as the locking devices and front doors were damaged during this process. The compensation cost was 1.3 million KRW per household, totaling about 8 million KRW for six units.

A fire broke out last month on the 11th at a villa in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Gwangju Northern Fire Station

In response, the union stated, "This incident revealed the limitations of the fire authorities' budget and difficulties due to lack of fire insurance," adding, "This situation suggests that beyond a simple financial issue, an environment is needed where firefighters can safely perform their duties to protect the lives of the people." They continued, "During the fire, the fire authorities guided evacuation, but for six units, the doors would not open, so they decided to forcibly open them," explaining, "The approximately 8 million KRW in compensation costs incurred during this process cannot be compensated because the homeowner passed away and other units were not insured against fire." They further argued, "Although these are incidental costs incurred while firefighters do their best to rescue lives, it is very unfair that individuals or specific institutions have to bear the responsibility."

They also added, "Currently, firefighters can handle losses incurred during activities through administrative compensation liability insurance, but this only applies in cases of mistakes, so this incident was not compensated," and "The budgets of local fire headquarters are also limited, making it difficult to immediately secure the necessary funds." Furthermore, they said, "A system is needed where firefighters, who have been converted to national employees and perform duties to protect the lives of the people, can reduce personal burdens," urging, "The government must promptly establish a national fire special account so that firefighters can safely perform their duties."

Finally, the union emphasized, "Firefighters are always dedicated to the safety of the people. The government must secure the necessary resources through a special account so that they can focus on their primary duties," and added, "It is time to recognize that this is an essential measure to protect the lives of the people beyond simple financial support. National-level support is urgently needed so that firefighters can perform their duties safely and effectively."