Sejong Fire Department Issues Air Conditioner Fire Prevention Guidelines for Multi-Use Facilities

11 Out of 25 Air Conditioner Fires in the Past 5 Years Occurred in August

Fire department officials are inspecting the facilities. Photo by Fire Department

As the summer season approaches and heat waves intensify, there is growing concern about the risk of air conditioner fires due to the surge in use of cooling devices. Caution is being advised.

According to the Sejong Fire Department on June 19, there have been a total of 25 air conditioner-related fires in the region over the past five years. Of these, 11 occurred in August, and 96% of the fires were caused by electrical factors such as outdoor unit or power line ignition.

The fire department plans to distribute air conditioner fire prevention leaflets to 585 locations, including apartment complexes, mixed-use buildings, public institutions, and facilities for vulnerable groups. They also intend to actively raise awareness about air conditioner fire risks through social networking services (SNS), electronic billboards, and informational materials in civil service offices.

In particular, for apartment complex managers, safety officers, and other relevant personnel, the department will provide on-site administrative guidance on practical preventive measures such as checking the condition of electrical wiring, ensuring ventilation for outdoor units, and removing dust and combustible materials.

Recently, concerns have been raised about damage to cultural assets from air conditioner fires at temples and other sites. In response, the fire department, together with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, has decided to conduct joint inspections of electrical and fire safety at 10 cultural heritage sites, including Biam-sa. The main items to be inspected include: ▲ aging of distribution panels and outdoor unit power lines, ▲ guidance on removing combustibles around air conditioners before operation, and ▲ distribution of standalone smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Park Gwangchan, head of the Response and Prevention Division, stated, "Summer air conditioner fires may start as simple electrical issues but can quickly lead to significant damage," adding, "With the heat wave approaching, it is more important than ever for citizens to pay close attention and conduct pre-use inspections."