The National Fire Agency is accelerating the establishment of a next-generation 119 system utilizing artificial intelligence (AI).

It will also expand the deployment of advanced unmanned equipment to strengthen disaster response capabilities.

The National Fire Agency reported its second-half work plan containing these measures to President Lee Jae-myung at the presidential office today (August 5).

The agency is accelerating the establishment of a next-generation 119 system utilizing AI and big data.

When emergency calls surge, the system plans to automatically prioritize urgent calls using AI and form response teams based on the type and location of the accident.

A big data analysis function will be introduced to the National Fire Information System to be utilized for analyzing the causes of fires and establishing preventive measures.

The agency will also lay the groundwork for introducing a prevention information system that verifies the adequacy of fire-fighting facilities and responds to fire-related civil complaints.

The deployment of advanced unmanned equipment at disaster sites will be expanded.

The agency will develop vehicle-type unmanned fire robots, quadrupedal and tracked fire robots capable of operating on stairs and in confined spaces, and fire-extinguishing drones.

It will also pursue research and development on personal protective equipment, such as sensor-based equipment to detect oil vapor, gas, collapse, and explosion risks before firefighters enter a site, ultra-lightweight and high-heat-resistant firefighting gear, thermal imaging equipment, and strength-enhancing exoskeleton suits.

Factories and warehouses where fires frequently recur or where fire detectors often malfunction due to dust will be designated as key fire safety management targets, and the installation of intelligent fire detectors capable of simultaneously sensing temperature and smoke will be expanded.

The criteria for sprinkler installation requirements will be expanded from the existing floor-count basis to include area standards, and automatic expansion fire extinguishers will be provided to existing facilities lacking sprinklers.

In addition, the agency will support fire-fighting businesses with the costs of patent registration and overseas certification, and expand consulting for the commercialization of developed technologies.

"In the first half of the year, we focused our capabilities on arriving at disaster sites more quickly and reducing public casualties caused by fires and wildfires," said Choi Yong-chul, Acting Head of the National Fire Agency. "Moving forward, we will implement firefighting administration that preemptively analyzes and prepares for risk factors and vulnerabilities."
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)