Fire Agency Chief: "True That There Are Many Question Marks Regarding Bucheon Fire Commander's Judgment"

▲ Choi Yong-chul, head of the National Fire Agency, answers questions from lawmakers during a parliamentary audit held by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 7th.

Choi Yong-chul, head of the National Fire Agency, stated regarding the entry order given by the on-site commander during a factory fire in Bucheon that resulted in a firefighter's death, that it is "true that there are many question marks surrounding the part."

Choi made the remarks during a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee today (the 26th), after Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Chae Hyun-il pointed out, "(The firefighters) were deployed despite the confirmed risk of explosion and the fact that there was no one inside."

Choi explained, "The joint investigation has not concluded yet, and we are conducting a professional and objective investigation. We confirmed through radio recording transcripts that information regarding hazardous materials was provided by the control room in advance."

He continued, "Whether to carry out an offensive tactic alongside the crew members is a matter for the on-site commander to decide. It is true that there are many question marks on our part regarding those aspects."

He also added, "We will conduct a thorough and objective investigation, and if problems are found, we will ensure that sufficient reform measures are established."

Lawmaker Chae mentioned that standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disaster sites were revised to protect firefighters' lives and ensure their safety following a fire in Mungyeong that claimed the lives of two firefighters.

However, he criticized that the revised procedures are not being properly applied in actual field situations.

Chae pointed out, "There also seems to be a fear of civil complaints and accountability regarding property damage after the fact when conducting defensive firefighting," emphasizing the need for legislative revision to establish civil and criminal immunity provisions.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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