Gyeonggi Fire Agency: 75% of Cooling Equipment Fires Involve Air Conditioners

According to an analysis by the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters of cooling equipment fires in Gyeonggi Province during the summer months (June to September) over the past three years, three out of every four cooling equipment fires involved air conditioners. The analysis also revealed an increase in dehumidifier fires as the use of cooling devices rises with the onset of extreme heat during the summer season.

Data from the National Fire Management System of the National Fire Agency shows that over the past three years (2023 to 2025), there were a total of 289 cooling equipment fires in Gyeonggi Province during the summer months. By device, air conditioners accounted for the most incidents with 217 cases (75.1%), followed by electric fans with 47 cases (16.2%), dehumidifiers with 14 cases (4.8%), and combined heating and cooling units with 11 cases (3.8%).

In particular, air conditioners represented the largest proportion of summer cooling equipment fires each year for the past three years. By year, there were 71 cases (81.6%) in 2023, 91 cases (79.1%) in 2024, and 55 cases (63.2%) in 2025.

Analysis Data of Cooling Devices from Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters Over the Past Three Years

In contrast, the number of dehumidifier fires increased from 1 case in 2024 to 8 cases in 2025. Electric fan fires also rose to 20 cases in 2025. Despite these trends, analysis over the past three years confirms that air conditioners still account for the majority of summer cooling equipment fires.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters has offered the following safety recommendations to prevent cooling equipment fires: for air conditioners, connect to a wall outlet directly whenever possible and avoid using extension cords or multi-outlet power strips; ensure proper ventilation and regularly remove dust around outdoor condenser units; when using electric fans after long-term storage, check the power cord and motor condition; for dehumidifiers, disconnect the power supply and open the air inlet and outlet when leaving home for extended periods. They emphasized strict adherence to these safety rules by product type.

Hong Jangpyo, head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "Extreme heat cannot be avoided, but fires can be prevented. As cooling appliances are essential household items during the summer, checking the power cord, plug, and the condition of your devices just once before use can significantly reduce the risk of fire. Please practice even the smallest safety measures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.