Jeonbuk Fire Department Conducts Safety Inspection for Fire Prevention at Traditional Temple Hwaamsa

On-site Inspections at 144 Locations Until the 2nd of Next Month

The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department conducted an on-site safety inspection at the traditional temple Hwaamsa on the 7th to prevent fires and ensure safety.

According to the Jeonbuk Fire Department, this inspection was carried out in consideration of the fact that traditional temples, mostly located deep in the mountains and constructed with wooden buildings, are structurally and locationally vulnerable to rapid fire spread. The aim was to prevent the recurrence of recent cultural heritage fires and proactively eliminate fire hazards within the temple.

Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters conducted an on-site safety inspection on the 7th at the traditional temple Hwaamsa to prevent fires and safety accidents. Photo by Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters

In particular, considering that the use of fire sources such as lanterns and candles surges around Buddha's Birthday (May 5), the inspection was conducted as a preemptive preventive measure.

Hwaamsa is a historic traditional temple that houses numerous wooden cultural assets, including Geungnakjeon, National Treasure No. 316, as well as treasures and registered cultural properties. Due to its location adjacent to forests and its predominantly wooden structure, it is highly susceptible to fire.

The inspection focused on ▲the installation and maintenance status of fire safety facilities such as fire extinguishers and outdoor hydrants ▲the securing of evacuation routes ▲the operational status of automatic fire detection and alarm systems, and ▲provided fire prevention education and initial response training for temple staff.

Meanwhile, the Fire Department plans to conduct fire safety inspections at a total of 144 traditional temples and wooden cultural heritage sites in the province for three weeks, from the 14th of this month to the 2nd of next month, considering the heightened fire risk due to dry spring weather and strong winds.

Lee Osuk, head of the Jeonbuk Fire Department, stated, "Most traditional temples are made of wood, so there is a concern about rapid fire spread in the event of a fire," and added, "In particular, each temple should remain vigilant about fire prevention to avoid repeats of cases like the recent fire at Hoseongsa in Namwon."

She further emphasized, "Jeonbuk Fire Department will thoroughly prepare so that both residents and visitors can participate in events with peace of mind."