South Korea Mandates Fire Extinguishers in Cars to Tackle Rising Fire Incidents
A new regulation will mandate the installation of fire extinguishers in all five-seater vehicles across South Korea starting in winter this year. The National Fire Agency announced the implementation of the Act on Installation and Management of Fire Fighting Facilities on Mar. 24, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in minimizing vehicle fires and deaths.
The updated regulation applies to cars manufactured, imported, and sold after Dec. 1 and those subject to ownership changes under the Automobile Management Act. However, the government will not retroactively apply the regulation to existing registered vehicles.
In-vehicle fire extinguishers must meet specific standards, including passing performance tests for powder fire extinguishers and demonstrating resilience during vibration and high-temperature tests, to ensure they remain effective in emergencies. Fire extinguishers suitable for use will be marked “Car Combined Use.”
Lim Won-seop, director of fire prevention at the National Fire Agency, stated, “The expansion of the vehicle fire extinguisher duty…is aimed at minimizing human and vehicle losses by responding quickly to a vehicle fire.”
According to data from the National Fire Data System, incidents of car fires in the past three years have approached 11,400 cases, with fatalities and injuries showing an upward trend.
1. What is the effective date for the regulation mandating fire extinguishers in five-seater vehicles in South Korea?
2. Which agency announced the implementation of the Act on Installation and Management of Fire Fighting Facilities?
3. Does the regulation apply to existing registered vehicles?
4. What standards must in-vehicle fire extinguishers meet?
1. Have you ever witnessed a vehicle fire or know someone who has?
2. How important do you think it is to have fire extinguishers in vehicles?
3. Do you think your country should implement a similar regulation regarding fire extinguishers in vehicles?
4. Have you ever received training on how to use a fire extinguisher?
A new regulation will mandate the installation of fire extinguishers in all five-seater vehicles across South Korea starting in winter this year. The National Fire Agency announced the implementation of the Act on Installation and Management of Fire Fighting Facilities on Mar. 24, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in minimizing vehicle fires and deaths.
