Watch Out for Fires Just After Lunch During Lunar New Year...An Average of 117 Incidents a Day

330 Billion Won in Property Damage Over the Past Five Years

During the Lunar New Year holiday, when people prepare holiday dishes to share with their families, extra vigilance against fires is needed. During the Lunar New Year holiday, about 110 fires occurred nationwide each day, with incidents particularly concentrated after lunch.

According to data from the National Fire Data System of the National Fire Agency on the 16th, a total of 2,689 fires occurred during the Lunar New Year holidays over the past five years (2021 to 2025). This translates into an average of 117 fires per day, with 1.2 deaths and 6 injuries each day. The cumulative property damage during this period reached 33 billion won. The time when fires were most concentrated was between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., accounting for 28.6% of all cases (770 incidents). This was followed by 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. around dinnertime, at 21.3%. The period from midday to evening, when gas stoves and other open flames are frequently used for cooking, is therefore the most dangerous.

Around 110 fires occur nationwide each day during the Lunar New Year holiday, with incidents particularly concentrated after lunchtime. Because cooking holiday meals involves frequent use of open flames and heat sources during the holiday period, heightened caution against fires is necessary.

By location, residential facilities accounted for the largest share, with 842 fires (31.3%). In particular, single-family houses made up a high proportion at 60.1%, and the main cause was identified as carelessness, such as leaving embers unattended. During the holiday period, accidents caused by trash burning or careless handling of fire were about 1.6 times more frequent than usual.

Acting Commissioner General Kim Seungryong of the National Fire Agency said, "During the holiday, a high proportion of fires occur in homes, and accidents caused especially by carelessness are frequent," adding, "You must pay particular attention to managing embers when cooking food or using fire, and if you are leaving home for a long time, you should carefully check gas valves and electrical plugs."