Vehicle Fires Reach 5,000 Cases Annually... Installation of Vehicle Fire Extinguishers is Not an Option but a Necessity

 With the amendment of the Fire Safety Act in 2023 in Korea, the mandatory installation of fire extinguishers for vehicles has been expanded from 7-seats to 5-seats and above. Even though it's not legally required, considering the increasing number of fire incidents due to the proliferation of equipment in vehicles, it's highly recommended to install adequate fire extinguishers for the safety of drivers and passengers in case of a fire.

Vehicle fires mostly occur during driving, and it's crucial to suppress them early, especially considering various fuels and oils that can ignite. Particularly on highways or remote roads far from fire stations, the necessity of vehicle fire extinguishers for early suppression is significant.

The performance of fire extinguishers is regulated per unit of 0.7kg capacity. For vehicles with 5 seats or more and compact (less than 1000cc) passenger cars, one unit of 1kg fire extinguisher is required, while for passenger cars with up to 15 seats, either one unit of 1.5kg fire extinguisher or two units of 1kg fire extinguisher must be provided.

ABC fire extinguishers capable of suppressing Class A (ordinary fires), Class B (flammable liquid fires), and Class C (electrical fires) are required for vehicles, with a marking "suitable for vehicles" on the extinguisher's surface. The usage is the same as regular fire extinguishers.

Moreover, for vehicles that experience frequent movement and vibration, it's recommended to use fire extinguishers that have undergone vibration tests of over 20,000 cycles.

Installation of vehicle fire extinguishers is stipulated to be within reach of the driver for passenger cars and easily accessible for passengers and co-passengers for passenger vans. Therefore, it's recommended to install them under the driver's seat or next to the driver's side door for cars, and under the seats or behind the driver's seat for vans.

Having one fire extinguisher during the early stages of a fire is equivalent to the power of one fire truck. For your safety and the safety of your passengers, it's strongly advised to equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher. Along with the installation of fire extinguishers, regular vehicle inspections and adherence to fire prevention safety measures are crucial for ensuring enjoyable and safe driving. Installation of vehicle fire extinguishers is not a choice but a necessity.

You may never need it, but it's essential to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Prepare your safety with FILTSON.