Osan City Conducts Joint Fire Safety Inspection of Osaek Traditional Market Ahead of Lunar New Year

[Suwon Ilbo=Lee Suwon] On the 29th, Osan City conducted a joint fire prevention inspection of Osaek Traditional Market in cooperation with relevant departments, Osan Fire Department, Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, and Korea Gas Safety Corporation.

The joint inspection was held as a precautionary measure ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, when traditional markets experience increased foot traffic and elevated fire risk due to the use of open flames.

Furthermore, traditional markets face structural limitations including maze-like passages, densely packed shops, and lack of fire compartmentation, which makes it difficult for fire trucks and personnel to access the area in case of fire and can result in greater casualties.

Particularly, as large quantities of flammable merchandise arrive ahead of the busy Lunar New Year season, there is concern that a fire could escalate into a major disaster. Thus, an inspection guidance was conducted for practical prevention.

Key inspection items included: △inspection of fire facility maintenance status and fire hazard factors △appropriate installation location, distance, and maintenance of firefighting equipment △operation of alarm and evacuation systems △electrical facility safety management status and hazard inspection △measures to prevent risks from wiring and portable electrical lines △gas facility safety management status and hazard inspection △proper installation of ventilation systems such as exhaust fans and ventilation fans.

Meanwhile, on the 26th, Vice Mayor Kang Hyun-do of Osan City visited Osaek Market and, together with the Osaek Market Merchants Association and Osan Fire Department, conducted emergency evacuation drills and firefighting training in response to a simulated fire scenario, as well as nighttime fire patrol with the Osaek Market Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Osan Mayor Lee Kwon-jae stated, "We will do our best to respond to fires so that citizens can enjoy a happy and abundant Lunar New Year holiday," and appealed to citizens, saying "We ask you to familiarize yourselves with emergency procedures in case of fire and actively participate in fire and safety accident prevention."