By Kim Min-Jeung
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae Facebook

First lady Kim Jung-sook visited a fire station in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, on Aug. 8 to encourage the firefighters there and to listen to their difficulties as they work for the safety of the citizens amid the scorching heat wave that's covering the whole nation these days.

Ko Min-jung, a vice spokesperson for Cheong Wa Dae, released a statement on Aug. 9 saying that the first lady visited the Hwaseong Fire Station, which is the busiest first response center in the country.

After inspecting the first responding gear, like the ambulance, the phone number rescue service, and the safety gear, she encouraged the firefighters and thanked them for their hard work in this extremely hot weather, weather that's approaching natural disaster levels. She also tried on a firefighter's suit with gear that weighs about 30 kg, saying, “I want to try it on for myself, to see what you have all been going through.”

During refreshments afterward, the firefighters talked about the difficulties they face and asked for expanded child care and for cooperation from the citizens in making way for fire engine on the roads.

The first lady said that she will do her utmost to try to improve the treatment and working conditions of firefighters.



jer2co@korea.kr