Jeonbuk Fire Department Conducts 'Fire Safety Inspection' at 144 Traditional Temples

Inspection of Disaster Prevention System Functionality and Other Safety Measures

A Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department official is inspecting fire prevention devices installed in a traditional temple. Provided by Jeonbuk Fire Department

The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Headquarters announced on the 17th that it has been conducting fire safety inspections at 144 traditional temples in the province for three weeks starting from the 14th, ahead of Buddha's Birthday.

This inspection was initiated to eliminate potential risks in advance, as the risk of fire increases due to dry spring weather, large temperature differences between day and night, and strong winds, as well as the increased use of fire during religious events with large gatherings.

In fact, according to fire statistics from the past five years, fires occurring in spring (March to May) account for 31.1% of the total, the highest proportion. Last April, a tragic incident occurred when Geungnakjeon Hall at Manghaesa Temple in Gimje was completely destroyed by fire.

The inspection targets include 119 traditional temples and 25 wooden cultural heritage sites, with the largest numbers by city and county being Namwon (18), Gimje (16), and Jeongeup (12).

The inspection process begins with the temple staff conducting a self-inspection using a pre-notified autonomous safety checklist. Then, fire safety inspection teams from each fire station are dispatched to the sites to identify and encourage improvements of any risk factors.

Key inspection items include: ▲ proper maintenance and management of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers ▲ safety management of areas where fire is handled, such as kitchens and locations where lanterns are installed ▲ proper operation of traditional temple disaster prevention systems.

If any violations are found during the inspection, legal actions such as prosecution, fines, and corrective orders will be taken in accordance with relevant laws. All corrective measures are planned to be completed by May 2, before Buddha's Birthday.

Fire Chief Lee Osuk stated, "Most traditional temples are wooden structures, so there is a high risk of rapid fire spread and expansion to nearby forests in the event of a fire," and added, "We ask not only temple officials but also all visitors to pay special attention to fire prevention."