Choi Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District: "We Will Further Increase Installations"
A recent incident at Daerim Central Market in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, was a close call. At approximately 1:20 p.m. on June 5, a fire broke out near the market, but nearby residents and market merchants quickly contained it in its early stages using a 'visible fire extinguisher,' preventing what could have become a major blaze.
The fire is believed to have started while an electric bicycle was charging. The location was a narrow alleyway leading into the market, where fire trucks could not access. There was a significant risk that the fire could have spread throughout the entire market.
It was the residents and market merchants who prevented the fire from spreading further. The 'visible fire extinguishers' installed on the alley and market walls also played a key role. After reporting the situation to emergency services, they rushed to the scene and began extinguishing the fire. The fire department arrived shortly after and fully put out the flames. Thanks to the swift initial response, there were no casualties, and property damage was limited to a small area.
Kim Deoksik, who personally fought the fire with an extinguisher, recalled, "The smoke was so thick that it was hard to think straight, but I spotted a visible fire extinguisher attached to the market wall and was able to start putting out the fire immediately."
The 'visible fire extinguisher' is a fire extinguisher installed in highly visible locations, such as on walls in densely populated residential areas or places where fire trucks have difficulty accessing, so that anyone can use it easily. Currently, there are about 1,700 of these installed throughout Yeongdeungpo District. The installation status and locations can be checked on the 'Smart Seoul Map' website.
Yeongdeungpo District has decided to use this incident as a model case for initial fire response, and will not only ensure thorough maintenance but also gradually expand the installation areas. The 'visible fire extinguisher' is concentrated in 40 fire-prone locations, such as narrow alleys where fire trucks cannot enter, and the district is also replacing any old or corroded extinguishers.
Choi Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, said, "This case is a true example of local autonomy led by residents," and expressed his gratitude, adding, "We will continue to expand effective safety infrastructure, such as visible fire extinguishers, to protect the lives and property of our residents."
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