The National Fire Agency said that, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, fire stations nationwide will conduct a coordinated inspection on the afternoon of the 12th targeting multiuse facilities where returning travelers and patrons are expected to crowd.
The National Fire Agency said the measure aims to stamp out illegal acts involving evacuation, fire protection, and firefighting facilities, given that a fire at places crowded during the holiday period could likely lead to major casualties.
The targets include major multiuse facilities nationwide, such as sales facilities like shopping centers, large marts, and department stores; movie theaters; and transportation facilities including passenger terminals, railway stations, and airports, which are gateways for homebound travelers.
Metropolitan and provincial fire headquarters and local fire stations visited sites and checked for the following: ▲ whether emergency exits and evacuation and fire protection facilities were closed off or damaged ▲ placement of obstacles on evacuation stairs and passageways ▲ acts such as cutting power to firefighting systems, including sprinklers, and disabling interlocks (leaving malfunctions unattended).
The National Fire Agency said that if serious illegal acts threatening patron safety are uncovered, it will apply a "zero tolerance" principle and take stern action under relevant laws, including filing cases and imposing fines.
Kim Seung-ryong, acting commissioner of the National Fire Agency, said, "We will continue to carry out regular surprise inspections timed to vulnerable periods such as vacation season and holiday breaks to create an environment where the public can use facilities with peace of mind."