Seoul Metro and Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters Sign Agreement on Subway Fire Response

Establishing a Rapid Response System for Train Fires

Seoul Metro (President Baek Ho) announced on the 24th that it had signed a "business agreement for prompt and systematic response to fires in subway facilities, including operating trains" with the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 23rd.

Baekho, President of Seoul Metro (right), and Kwon Hyukmin, Head of Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, are taking a commemorative photo after the agreement. Provided by Seoul Metro.

This agreement was established to build a rapid response and systematic prevention system for fires in the subway, especially as concerns about subway fires have increased following the arson incident on Line 5 in May. The two organizations agreed to cooperate in establishing an integrated response system centered on the regional emergency response control center and in developing response manuals in the event of a fire in operating trains or subway facilities.

In addition, both parties will actively cooperate in fire simulation experiments for subway facilities hosted by either Seoul Metro or the Fire and Disaster Headquarters. They also plan to expand cooperation in research and development of fire safety systems, including research on fire extinguishing agents for train equipment and devices operated by Seoul Metro.

The signing ceremony, held at Seoul Metro headquarters on this day, was attended by President Baek Ho, Kwon Hyukmin, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, and other key officials from both organizations. The agreement is valid for two years from the 23rd of this month and may be extended by mutual consent of the two parties.

Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, said, "Through this business agreement, we have laid the foundation for effectively responding to subway fires, including verifying train fire safety and improving response manuals. Moving forward, Seoul Metro will do its utmost to ensure that citizens can always use the subway with peace of mind by preparing not only for fires but also for various disaster situations."