Firefighters on the Front Lines: NHRCK Recommends Expansion of Recovery Facilities and Trauma Care
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho, hereinafter "NHRCK") issued an official opinion to the Commissioner of the National Fire Agency. The NHRCK emphasized the need to secure sufficient and safe rest areas, such as disaster recovery support vehicles, for firefighters during standby periods at wildfire sites. Furthermore, it highlighted the necessity of developing and expanding support programs designed to heal physical and mental burnout, assisting firefighters in recovering from trauma sustained during lifesaving operations and ensuring a stable return to duty.
Background of the Case
In April 2025, the complainant filed a complaint alleging that firefighters (the victims) deployed to a wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, were forced to work for three to five consecutive days without shifts or proper rest periods.
In response, the relevant provincial fire and disaster headquarters (the respondent) stated that the wildfire was a national-scale disaster rather than a routine firefighting operation, requiring a total mobilization of resources. They further noted that due to the difficulty of applying standard protocols to large-scale disasters, the "Service Guidelines for Shift-Work Firefighters" (effective July 1, 2025) were amended to include exceptional provisions for emergency duty and national mobilization orders.
Commission Findings and Recommendations
The NHRCK’s Committee on Human Rights Violation 2 rejected the specific complaint, as the complainant did not identify individual victims, making it difficult to confirm their intent to proceed with an investigation.
However, the Commission determined that an official expression of opinion was necessary, noting:
"Continuous duty for several days in extremely hazardous fire conditions subjects firefighters to high levels of tension and anxiety, leading to a cumulative buildup of physical and mental exhaustion."
The NHRCK further emphasized that the environment in which firefighters, who perform emergency medical, rescue, and lifesaving tasks at the sites of social disasters, must continue working in a state of unresolved psychological shock has become a significant social concern.
The NHRCK asserted that there is a critical need to:
Enhance Recovery Infrastructure: Equipping recovery support vehicles with air conditioning, heating, air purifiers, and essential medical equipment.
Develop Specialized Care: Expanding the development of support programs to address the physical and mental burnout of firefighters following the conclusion of emergency duties at large-scale disasters like wildfires.
Accordingly, the Commission communicated these recommendations to the Commissioner of the National Fire Agency to ensure the protection of the health and safety rights of those who protect the public.
