Don't Overload Outlets with Cooling Appliances in the Heat... Most Summer Fires Occur

Fires Caused by Electrical Factors Concentrated in July and August in Seoul
National Fire Agency Raised Fire Risk Alert on July 4
"Avoid Using Overloaded Power Strips," Authorities Advise

At the beginning of July, as an unusual heatwave with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius began, it was found that fires have been concentrated due to increased use of cooling appliances during the summer.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters on July 10, over the past five years, the highest number of fires caused by 'electrical factors' occurred in July and August. In July, there were 924 cases, and in August, 919 cases, with 26.2% of all fires caused by electrical factors concentrated in the summer months.

The city emphasized that, out of a total of 27,760 fires over the past five years, 16.2% (4,479 cases) occurred in July and August, which is lower than in the winter season. However, fires originating from 'electrical factors' accounted for a significant proportion during this period.

In particular, among fires involving cooling appliances, 191 cases were attributed to electrical factors. Of these, 37.7% were caused by short circuits due to poor contact, 21.5% by unidentified short circuits, and 20.9% by deterioration of wire insulation performance.

Previously, on July 4, the National Fire Agency raised the fire risk alert level to 'caution' as the number of fire incidents surged with the increase in areas under heatwave advisories. The average number of fires per day during the 10 days before the heatwave advisory was issued was 71, but after the advisory, it increased by 38% to 98 cases per day.

The reasons for the increase in summer fires, especially those caused by electrical factors, include increased use of cooling appliances and overloading of aging electrical equipment. Kwon Hyukmin, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "We ask that you follow summer safety guidelines for the use of cooling appliances and electricity, such as checking power strips for cooling appliances, refraining from using overloaded outlets, and removing combustible materials from around air conditioner outdoor units."