Gyeonggi Fire Department to Conduct 'Safety Inspections' at Self-Service Gas Stations Until August 20

The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters is launching safety inspections of self-service gas stations within the province.

On June 27, the headquarters announced that it will conduct safety management inspections of 1,471 self-service gas stations in the province by August 20, in preparation for the increased risk of vapor fires during the summer season.

As temperatures rise, the amount of vapor generated at gas stations increases sharply, heightening the risk of fire and explosion. This risk is especially pronounced at self-service gas stations, where the general public handles fueling directly, making accidents due to carelessness more likely.

Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters is conducting safety inspections of self-service gas stations within the province. Photo by Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters

In fact, over the past three years (2022?2024), 3 out of 8 fires (37.5%) that occurred at gas stations in the province were found to be directly caused by carelessness.

The main inspection items include compliance with the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act, the continuous presence of a safety manager or deputy during both day and night shifts, and violations of hazardous material storage and handling standards. Inspectors will also closely examine whether a hazardous materials safety manager has been appointed and how management is conducted during vulnerable hours.

Additionally, the headquarters will designate safety managers, distribute materials promoting the prohibition of smoking within gas stations, and provide on-site education.

Kim Jaebyung, head of the provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "Vapors are invisible but can explode at any time if they come into contact with a spark. This inspection is not a mere administrative procedure, but a substantive safety measure to protect the lives of provincial residents."