Seocho-gu Conducts Fire Response Drill for Aging Apartments with Fire and Police Departments

Assuming a Fire Scenario:
Fire Suppression and Resident Evacuation Drills Conducted

Seocho-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo) announced on August 18 that it had conducted an "Integrated Support Headquarters Operation Drill for Social Disaster Response" on August 14, together with relevant agencies such as the Seocho Fire Station, at an apartment complex in Bangbae-dong, to strengthen fire response capabilities.

CPR practice scene at the Integrated Support Headquarters for Social Disaster Response. Provided by Seocho-gu.

This drill was organized in response to a series of recent tragedies, including the death of a child in an apartment fire. The district focused on improving the ability of disaster-vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility, to evacuate quickly and respond effectively in the early stages of a disaster.

The drill simulated a large-scale fire in an aging apartment complex. Four relevant agencies-Seocho Fire Station, Bangbae Police Station, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Seoul City Gas-participated, along with about 50 apartment residents, to realistically reenact fire suppression and resident evacuation procedures.

Additionally, the drill involved checking the performance of each task force in charge of on-site command, response, and public support during a disaster, as well as practicing the operational system of the Integrated Support Headquarters, which is responsible for rapid decision-making and resource allocation.

On-site, residents also participated in life safety experience programs, including CPR practice and fire prevention education, which helped enhance their response capabilities. One resident who took part in the drill shared, "I used to feel vague anxiety about how to respond if a fire broke out, but this drill has alleviated that. I now feel much more at ease, as it seems the apartment has become safer."

Seocho District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo stated, "As the risk of fire increases due to the aging of apartment complexes, close cooperation among relevant agencies is essential in the event of a disaster. We will continue to expand field-oriented disaster response drills to protect the safety of residents."