President Lee Jae-myung Pledges Stable Funding for Fire Services

President Lee Jae-myung pledged on the 9th to secure stable funding for firefighting operations at the 64th Firefighters' Day ceremony held in Sejong. It was his first time attending the Firefighters' Day ceremony since taking office.

"We will strive to expand firefighting personnel and strengthen the command system," he said in his commemorative address, adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that all citizens receive equal and comprehensive fire safety, regardless of where they live."

"A strong fire service is not built on good equipment alone," the president emphasized. "We will take even more careful care of firefighters' welfare and working conditions." He added, "Firefighters can devote themselves to their duties only when they believe the state will stand behind them and their families to the very end." He also announced plans to develop the National Fire Hospital, opened this year, into a specialized treatment facility, and to proceed steadily with the construction of a training and rehabilitation center for firefighters.

In his address, President Lee credited the fire service with improving its disaster response system over the past year and overcoming major disaster crises through all-out efforts, including the issuance of a national fire mobilization order. "Deaths from fires fell 15.7 percent, and there were no wildfire fatalities," he said. He also cited the integrated operation of firefighting helicopters nationwide and the strengthened emergency patient transport system as key achievements. Concluding his remarks, he expressed gratitude to firefighters, calling them a steadfast pillar of safety for communities across South Korea.