[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Jeonnam Fire Headquarters (Chief Ma Jaeyoon) has urged special caution as human casualties have recently occurred due to wildfires and grass fires.
According to Jeonnam Fire on the 30th, a total of 2,035 forest fires (1,615 wildfires and 420 grass fires) occurred in the province over the past five years (2015?2019).
12 people died and 60 were injured. Most wildfire causes were found to be due to carelessness such as burning rice paddies and fields and incinerating garbage.
On the 23rd, a fire presumed to have been caused by garbage incineration occurred on a hill in Wolsan-myeon, Damyang-gun, resulting in the death of Mr. A (75).
Igniting fires within 100 meters of forest-adjacent areas without prior permission from city or county authorities and incinerating household waste are illegal.
Violations are subject to fines of up to 1 million won each under the Forest Protection Act and the Waste Management Act.
Furthermore, starting May 7, under the Jeonnam Fire Prevention Ordinance, if fire ignition such as garbage incineration around rice paddies and fields causes fire trucks to be dispatched mistakenly, a fine of 200,000 won will be imposed.
Ma Jaeyoon, Chief of Jeonnam Fire Headquarters, said, “In spring, dry air and strong winds can turn even a small spark into a large fire,” and added, “We ask all residents for special caution and attention to avoid double hardships caused by fires during the difficult times of COVID-19.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
