Chungnam Establishes Response Headquarters at 216 Agencies for 'Spring Wildfire Prevention' Efforts

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province is launching an all-out campaign for ‘spring wildfire prevention’ from February to May, a period when wildfires frequently occur.

The province announced on the 26th that from next month 1st to May 15th, wildfire prevention task forces will be established in 216 organizations including the provincial government, city and county offices, and eup, myeon, and dong offices to operate an emergency duty system.

According to the province, over the past 10 years, a total of 157 wildfires occurred in Chungnam from February to April, destroying 76.2 hectares of forest. Analysis shows that 61% of the total number of wildfires and 84% of the damaged area were concentrated between February and April.

Last year, 24 wildfires occurred during this period, causing damage by destroying 41.25 hectares of forest. The main causes of wildfires were identified as arson by visitors, discarded trash and cigarette butts, and arson by visitors paying respects at graves.

In response, the province plans to strengthen its monitoring system using 77 unmanned surveillance cameras and to deploy three large helicopters in advance to Cheonan, Nonsan, and Hongseong to prepare for any possible wildfire situations.

Additionally, 1,357 monitoring personnel will be concentrated in wildfire-prone areas to conduct surveillance activities, and 108 education and training sessions will be held focusing on wildfire workers, public officials, and civilians to enhance wildfire suppression capabilities and prevent safety accidents.

A provincial official said, “People should refrain from smoking in forests or adjacent areas, and from burning rice paddies, field ridges, and agricultural waste,” adding, “If a wildfire is discovered, please report it immediately to the forestry department or fire station.”