(LEAD) Gov't to review 2 tln-won funding support for firefighting efforts

Seoul, November 8 - The government has committed to reviewing a funding proposal of approximately 2 trillion won (US$1.5 billion) for firefighting initiatives, according to a senior ruling party official. This decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on provincial governments, as stated by Park Sung-joon, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, during a press conference following a discussion between government officials, party representatives, and Cheong Wa Dae.

The proposed budget will encompass the acquisition of firefighting equipment, the development of training facilities, and the enhancement of a medical system specifically focused on firefighting efforts, all of which will be reviewed during next year's budget deliberations, as indicated by Park.

At present, provincial governments are responsible for the majority of the firefighting-related budget, with central government contributions making up only about 10 percent. During the meeting, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that firefighters receive the necessary support before assigning them to public safety duties.

The meeting took place a day prior to the 64th anniversary of the National Firefighting Day, during which Han paid tribute to Kim Jin-seok, a firefighter who tragically lost his life while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, a city located west of Seoul, the previous month.

Han reiterated that the government's primary responsibility is to safeguard the lives and well-being of the public, stating that no other matter takes precedence over this. Furthermore, he vowed to conduct a comprehensive review of preparations for the upcoming winter season, highlighting that extreme cold and heavy snowfall pose significant threats to the daily lives of individuals in the country.