(2nd LD) Lee vows to hire more firefighters, expand investment to ensure public safety

President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Monday to hire more firefighters and boost investment to enhance their capabilities, ensuring public safety amid various disaster risks. The announcement came during a ceremony commemorating the 64th Day of Firefighting in Sejong, which was attended by government officials, firefighters, and their bereaved families.

The president highlighted that the ongoing climate crisis is intensifying the diversity and scale of disasters, potentially making them more complex and challenging for firefighters to manage. Accordingly, Lee emphasized that proactive preparation and timely response are essential for safeguarding lives and ensuring safety.

In order to achieve this, Lee pledged to hire additional firefighters, reinforce their command system, and expand investment to facilitate quicker and more systematic disaster response. This investment plan includes harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to identify risk factors, as well as employing advanced defense technology such as unmanned surface vehicles and high-tech firefighting suits to ensure firefighters' safety during operations.

Additionally, Lee assured that the government will closely monitor the treatment and working conditions of firefighters who selflessly respond to emergencies, ensuring their well-being. Following the ceremony, Lee visited an exhibition showcasing high-tech firefighting equipment, including an unmanned wall-piercing fire truck and a smoke-removal robot.

The president also stressed the necessity of allocating state budget and investing in research and development for more advanced unmanned firefighting equipment. To conclude the day, Lee hosted a lunch with seven serving firefighters at a restaurant in Sejong, where he commended their dedication and praised their services.