The National Fire Agency said on the 22nd it will begin "special emergency duty" for Christmas and the year-end and New Year holidays. From the 24th to Jan. 4, 242 fire stations nationwide will strengthen their fire prevention and response systems.
During the special emergency duty periods for Christmas and the year-end and New Year holidays over the past three years, there were a total of 1,748 fires, leaving 26 dead and 162 injured. Property damage also reached 33 billion won.
The National Fire Agency also decided to deploy more than 600 firefighters and 72 pieces of equipment to 14 key management areas where large crowds are expected, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve bell-ringing event sites and sunrise viewing spots. These include Myeong-dong and Itaewon in Seoul and Seomyeon in Busan. In particular, it plans to concentrate personnel around Bosingak in Seoul and the Dalgubeol Grand Bell in Daegu, where bell-ringing ceremonies will be held.
Kim Seung-ryong, acting commissioner of the National Fire Agency, said, "We will focus all capabilities so that the public can safely wrap up the year and welcome the new year," and added, "We also ask citizens to observe order where crowds are dense and to actively follow the guidance of on-site firefighters in emergencies."