Daegu fire department launches summer fire prevention campaign for public facilities

The Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters is rolling out a summer fire prevention campaign targeting public-use facilities through July 31, aimed at helping residents stay safe during the vacation season.

Fire agency statistics show that air-conditioning-related fires in Daegu have risen steadily over the past five years, totaling 90 incidents — up from 13 in 2021 to 26 in 2025, a twofold increase.

Electrical faults accounted for the overwhelming majority of ignition causes, at 69 cases (76.6%), while residential facilities (46 cases) and lifestyle service facilities (17 cases) were the most common locations.

In response, the Daegu fire department has divided the campaign into two phases: an intensive management period through July 15, followed by a steady management period through July 31.

Key measures include unannounced fire safety inspections at 155 high-risk public facilities, prompt repairs and maintenance of fire suppression systems in below-ground floors that suffered flood damage, and on-site administrative guidance by fire station chiefs and department heads at vulnerable locations.

During inspections, authorities plan to crack down on illegal practices such as tampering with or blocking fire suppression systems and stacking objects in front of evacuation routes or fire doors.

The department will also step up public outreach on safe practices for outdoor air-conditioning units, including maintaining proper clearance from walls. Targeted awareness campaigns are planned through apartment building announcements and social media platforms including KakaoTalk.

"We urge residents to check for electrical short circuits or gas leaks before leaving home for extended periods this summer," said Kim Geun-sik, head of the fire prevention and safety division at the Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters. "We also ask everyone to take part in everyday fire prevention, such as keeping the area around outdoor air-conditioning units clean."