New Daegu fire chief skips inauguration, heads straight to market safety inspection

Kim Tae-han, the newly appointed 24th chief of the Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters, launched his first official day Tuesday with an on-site safety inspection at Seomun Market, forgoing a formal inauguration ceremony.

Kim checked the condition of fire suppression equipment inside the market, verified that evacuation routes were clear and assessed fire truck access. He also urged vendors to take fire prevention into their own hands and stressed the importance of early response.

Kim paid particular attention to fire hazards tied to rising electricity use in summer and aging electrical infrastructure, noting that fires in traditional markets can quickly escalate into large-scale disasters. He said proactive safety management led by those responsible for the facilities is essential.

"Protecting the lives and property of citizens is the most fundamental and foremost duty of the fire department," Kim said. "I will focus all our efforts on strengthening field-centered preventive administration and building a safe Daegu where citizens can feel at ease."

Kim was appointed through the eighth class of fire officer candidates. He previously served as head of the 119 Rescue Division at the National Fire Agency, chief of the Daejeon Fire Headquarters and superintendent of the Central Fire Academy.