The National Fire Agency judged that the risk of fires from electrical equipment and cooling appliances has risen due to the prolonged heat wave, and raised the nationwide fire risk warning from "alert" to "serious" as of 3 p.m. on the 5th. The fire risk warning levels are caution → alert → serious, and it was raised to the highest level.
The National Fire Agency said that the surge in the use of cooling appliances due to the heat wave has increased the risks of electrical overload and overheating, as well as fires from aging wiring and air conditioner outdoor units.
It also found that fires increased during the expanded heat wave advisory period. From July 1 to 9 this year, the daily average number of fires was 84.4, which rose 19.4% to 100.8 from July 10 to 27. From July 27 to Aug. 4, the daily average was 116.9, up 15.9% from the previous period.
With the issuance of the "serious" level, the National Fire Agency decided to strengthen fire response readiness at fire stations nationwide. In the event of a major fire or other emergency, it will maintain readiness to immediately activate the emergency rescue control group, and it will also expand monitoring activities for fire-prone targets such as traditional markets, industrial facilities, and aging apartment complexes.
Song Ho-young, director of the Fire Prevention Bureau at the National Fire Agency, said, "During prolonged heat waves, the long-term use of cooling devices such as air conditioners and fans is likely to overload electrical equipment," and urged, "Please strictly follow everyday fire prevention rules, such as cutting power to electrical devices not in use and removing dust and combustibles around air conditioner outdoor units."
He added, "Do not store batteries, power banks, or power tools in cars exposed to direct sunlight or in high-temperature places, and if any abnormal signs such as strange odors, heat, or deformation are detected during charging, stop using them immediately."