The National Fire Agency said on the 7th that, given the growing possibility of fires or explosions at gas stations that are temporarily closed or shut down amid a prolonged heat wave, it is conducting a full survey.
Fire authorities have been conducting fire inspections of 697 gas stations nationwide that are temporarily closed or shut down from on the 6th to Sept. 5. Because of high summer temperatures, vapor can form inside underground storage tanks at gas stations and lead to fires.
Through the fire inspections, officials are focusing on whether hazardous materials and vapors have been removed. They are also checking whether access control measures for outsiders are being properly implemented.
Under the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act, gas stations that are temporarily closed must completely remove hazardous materials and flammable vapors from tanks and pipes, complete access control measures, and file a prior report with the local fire station. If safety measures are insufficient, an order to comply will be issued, and failure to follow it can result in a fine of up to 15 million won, among other penalties.
Gas stations that are shut down are required to go through the "abolition of use" procedure. After all hazardous materials and vapors are removed, a relevant public official from the city or provincial fire department confirms on site whether safety measures, such as dismantling and removing tanks and eliminating residual hazardous materials, have been carried out.
Acting National Fire Agency Commissioner Choi Yong-cheol said, "We will continue to identify weak points in safety management through on-site inspections and, in cooperation with related agencies, keep improving management systems for facilities at risk of long-term neglect."