DAEJEON, South Korea – An off-duty firefighter from the Daejeon Seobu Fire Station has been lauded for his quick thinking and decisive action in extinguishing a car fire, preventing potential casualties and significant property damage. Fire Inspector Kang Dong-gil, a team leader in the station's field response unit, was off duty on June 10 when he single-handedly suppressed a vehicle fire in an apartment complex parking lot in Dong-gu, Daejeon.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:16 PM, when white smoke and flames erupted from the engine compartment of a vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Singi-ro. Investigations later confirmed the cause to be a mechanical defect, specifically a fuel leak, which rapidly escalated the blaze.

Witnessing the emerging fire, Fire Inspector Kang immediately directed the vehicle's driver to safety. He then promptly alerted 119 (South Korea's emergency services number) before grabbing a common powder fire extinguisher from the apartment complex. With remarkable composure, he quickly deployed the extinguisher, bringing the fire under control before it could spread further. Arriving shortly after, crews from the Dongbu Fire Station completed the mop-up operations and secured the scene, preventing any further spread or danger.

"Fire Inspector Kang's calm and decisive response while off duty exemplifies the true spirit of firefighting," stated Kim Hwa-sik, head of the Daejeon Seobu Fire Station. "We hope this incident serves as a crucial reminder to the public about the importance of early fire suppression and the vital role of fire extinguishers in mitigating damage and saving lives."

The Growing Threat of Vehicle Fires and the Importance of Preparedness

Vehicle fires are a significant concern in South Korea and globally, posing serious risks to lives and property. According to data from the National Fire Agency, from 2021 to 2023, South Korea experienced 11,398 car fires, resulting in 27 fatalities and 149 injuries. This averages out to nearly 3,800 incidents annually, highlighting the persistent threat. While gasoline and diesel vehicles account for a large portion of these incidents, with diesel cars showing a higher likelihood of fire incidents over time, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) introduces new challenges. Although statistically less prone to fires than internal combustion engine vehicles, EV battery fires can be more intense and challenging to extinguish, often leading to greater property damage. The average damage per fire or explosion accident for EVs was approximately 1.9 times higher than for non-EVs between 2019 and 2023.

In response to the increasing frequency and potential severity of vehicle fires, South Korea has taken proactive measures. Effective December 1, 2024, the revised "Act on Installation and Management of Firefighting Systems" mandates that all newly registered or ownership-transferred passenger vehicles with five or more seats must be equipped with a "vehicle-compatible" fire extinguisher. This regulation aims to ensure that drivers and passengers have the necessary tools for immediate response in the event of a fire, significantly improving the chances of early containment and minimizing harm. Authorities emphasize the importance of storing these extinguishers in easily accessible locations, such as near the driver's seat.

Fire Inspector Kang Dong-gil's heroic actions serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of immediate intervention and the critical role of accessible fire extinguishing equipment. His dedication, even while off duty, undoubtedly averted a potentially much larger disaster, reinforcing the message that preparedness and swift action can make all the difference when fire strikes.

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