As the risk of livestock fires increases during winter, Gwangju City is conducting special fire prevention inspections at 1,362 pig and poultry farms. Over the past five years, fires in the region's livestock facilities have resulted in damages totaling 2.81 billion won, highlighting the importance of electrical equipment management and proactive measures by farmers.
Gwangju City announced that inspections will focus on 470 pig farms and 892 poultry farms raising more than 3,000 birds, assessing fire hazards and compliance with preventive measures until December 10.
According to the Gwangju Fire Department, there were 211 livestock fires from 2021 to 2025, causing damages of 2.81 billion won. Of these incidents, electrical issues accounted for 103 cases, or 48.8%, while negligence was responsible for 52 cases, or 24.6%. This year alone, there have been 17 livestock fires reported by October, including 10 in cattle barns, five in pig farms, and two in poultry houses.
Livestock facilities pose significant fire risks due to prolonged use of heating and ventilation systems, as well as the accumulation of dust and debris around electrical equipment. Aging wiring and overloaded electrical systems can exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to fires that spread through combustible materials like insulation.
The inspections will be conducted in two phases: self-checks by farmers and verification by relevant authorities.
Farmers are required to use a self-inspection checklist to assess the condition of electrical, heating, and ventilation systems and to remove dust and combustible materials around electrical equipment by November 16. They must then submit their findings to the local government.
From November 17 to December 10, local governments and fire departments will verify compliance with preventive measures.
Pig farmers will conduct on-site inspections in collaboration with local fire departments, while also considering biosecurity measures against diseases like African swine fever (ASF) through phone consultations.
Poultry farmers will minimize farm access during the special biosecurity period for avian influenza (AI) and will focus on phone consultations and photographic evidence for inspections.
Key inspection points include the condition of aging wiring and circuit breakers, overheating of heating equipment, removal of combustible materials around electrical systems, availability of fire extinguishers, and adherence to regular electrical safety checks.
Farmers needing facility improvements based on inspection results will receive guidance on replacing aging wiring and verifying electrical capacity, along with support for establishing fire prevention systems.
Farmers who fail to conduct self-checks or submit their results may face restrictions on livestock-related support programs for 2027.
However, any support restrictions are currently under review and will be determined based on relevant program guidelines.
Son Myung-do, head of the Gwangju City Agricultural and Food Department, stated, "Preventing livestock fires begins with regularly removing dust around electrical equipment and monitoring heating systems. We will encourage farmers to engage in proactive prevention activities and strengthen support for inspections and facility improvements in collaboration with fire departments."
Additionally, Gwangju City plans to promote livestock disaster insurance enrollment and fire prevention management guidelines during this special inspection period. Given the recurring nature of winter livestock fires, establishing a robust safety management system and improving aging electrical equipment are identified as future priorities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.