Seoul raises reward cap for reporting blocked fire exits, faulty fire equipment

Seoul will raise the annual cap on rewards paid to people who report neglected fire safety violations — such as blocked emergency exits or broken fire equipment — at heavily used public venues. To qualify for a reward, reports must be filed within 48 hours of witnessing the violation.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Tuesday that it will accept public comment on a proposed amendment to its fire safety violation reporting ordinance through Sept. 9. After the comment period closes, the city plans to submit the draft legislation for legal review on Sept. 10.

The amendment would expand the categories of reportable fire safety violations and raise both the per-report reward and the overall payout ceiling.

Covered venues span 15 categories: apartment complexes and other multi-unit residential buildings, cultural and assembly facilities, retail facilities such as hypermarkets, department stores and shopping centers, transportation facilities, medical facilities, sports facilities, officetels, lodging facilities, entertainment facilities, factories, warehouse facilities, tourism and rest facilities, and multi-use commercial establishments.

Reportable violations include leaving a fire pump in a broken state, disabling a fire alarm panel or emergency power supply so that fire suppression systems cannot operate normally, and failing to install fire safety equipment altogether. Closing off or damaging evacuation or fire-containment facilities, and stacking objects or placing obstacles near them in ways that impede evacuation or firefighting, are also covered.

Reporters must submit photographic or video evidence to the relevant fire station — in person, by mail, fax or online — within 48 hours of witnessing the violation. Once a violation is confirmed, the city will pay 50,000 won ($35) per report in cash or in gift vouchers such as Onuri commercial coupons or local currency.

The per-person reward ceiling will rise from the current 200,000 won per month and 2 million won per year to 300,000 won per month and 3 million won per year. When multiple people report the same violation at the same location, only the first report received will be rewarded.

Rewards will not be paid for anonymous or pseudonymous reports, reports that prove inaccurate, or violations that have already been investigated and resolved. Reports filed as part of a prearranged scheme to collect rewards are also disqualified, as are reports by fire department civil servants or those whose job duties involve inspecting or enforcing fire safety regulations.