The National Fire Agency said the "partial amendment to the Fire Equipment Management Act" was approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 26th.
The core is designating equipment that applies new technology as "advanced firefighting equipment" and codifying a three-step verification system that proceeds from "preemptive purchase → performance evaluation → pilot operation." In particular, the National Fire Agency expected that a newly established clause exempting the person in charge of purchasing and operating advanced firefighting equipment from liability in the absence of intent or gross negligence would accelerate the introduction of new-technology equipment such as robots and drones.
In addition, the principle for purchasing firefighting equipment has been changed from the previous lowest price to a focus on "performance." This is because the amended law codifies five basic principles for purchasing firefighting equipment: ▲ ensuring transparency and efficiency ▲ utilizing the latest technology ▲ interoperability among equipment ▲ convenience for firefighting equipment operators ▲ collecting expert opinions.
In addition, a legal basis has been newly established to donate, free of charge, firefighting equipment that has been designated as "obsolete" domestically but still has sufficient utility to developing countries and elsewhere. A basis has also been prepared for operating a "firefighting equipment maintenance support team at disaster sites," which can immediately inspect and repair firefighting equipment on-site during major disasters when a national-level firefighting mobilization order is issued.
The National Fire Agency said, "With the enforcement of this amended law, a legal foundation has been laid for advanced equipment such as robots and drones to roam disaster sites and for Korea's firefighting technology to expand globally," adding, "We will swiftly push forward follow-up measures to complete the transition to an advanced response system centered on AI (artificial intelligence) and robots."