Nine Out of 10 Electric Cooktop Fires Caused by "Carelessness"... NFA Says, "Check for Recalled Products"

[Financial News]  Electric cooktop fires increased 24% over the past two years. Consumer carelessness, such as leaving the area while cooking or placing flammable materials nearby, accounted for 88% of the fires. Fire authorities urged users to follow safety rules and check whether their appliances are subject to a recall.
The National Fire Agency (NFA), the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), and the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) announced on the 21st that they would launch a joint campaign outlining safety guidelines for preventing electric cooktop fires and explaining how to check for recalled products.
According to the NFA, electric cooktop fires rose every year, from 350 in 2023 to 369 in 2024 and 434 last year. The number recorded last year was 84, or 24%, higher than in 2023. There were also 257 fires through August this year.
Of the 1,410 electric cooktop fires reported from 2023 through August this year, 1,242—or 88%—were caused by consumer carelessness. By category, cooking-related incidents were the most common, accounting for 435 cases, or 35%. General carelessness during use caused 322 cases, or 26%, while 312 fires, or 25%, occurred after flammable materials such as paper or cloth were placed too close to the appliance.
The relevant agencies emphasized that users should not leave the area while cooking with an electric cooktop and should check that the power is off after use. Paper, cloth, and other easily ignited items should not be kept near the appliance. Users should also activate the lock function to prevent pets or children from turning it on.
Users should also check whether the electric cooktop they are using is subject to a recall. HAATZ is conducting a voluntary recall of some electric cooktops, saying that a capacitor, an internal control component, may experience a momentary overload that could lead to a fire.
Consumers can compare the model name and manufacturing date shown on the product with the recall information posted on the HAATZ website. Anyone with a recalled product should stop using it immediately and receive safety measures through the HAATZ Customer Support Center at 1644-0806 or the company's website.
The NFA and KATS said, "Electric cooktop fires can be prevented through small everyday actions," adding, "Please make safety rules part of your daily routine and carefully check recall information as well."

[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter