Inspection of Operation Status for Wood Stove Boilers and Winter Reservoir Freezing Prevention Devices
Gangwon Province has launched an inspection of the management status of wood-fired boilers in forest-adjacent areas within the province to prevent winter forest fires. [Gangwon-do]
[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Amid the ongoing dry weather and strong winds along the East Coast since last year, which have significantly increased the risk of wildfires, there has recently been a rise in house fires adjacent to forests and wildfires caused by wood-fired boilers, prompting Gangwon Province and forestry authorities to take action.
According to Gangwon Province, in the past three years, there have been 97 fires caused by wood-fired boilers in the province, with 89 cases (91.7%) resulting from careless handling such as overheating and overloading.
Among these, the number of cases that led to wildfires averaged 10.2 per year over the past five years, accounting for about 1.8% of all wildfires. The trend shows a sharp increase, with 15 cases (4%) in 2021 and 49 cases (7%) in 2022.
Gangwon Province announced on the 10th that "a comprehensive inspection of wood-fired boiler management will be conducted to prevent wildfires during the dry winter season."
By the 25th of this month, the province plans to inspect the management status of wood-fired boilers installed in 5,783 households across 18 cities and counties, including the East Coast region, and provide guidance on proper usage and precautions to prevent the spread of wildfires.
To prevent fires caused by wood-fired boilers, combustible materials such as wood piles must be stored at least 2 meters away from the boiler. Fire extinguishers should be placed near the boiler room, and regular cleaning and tidying of the surrounding area are essential rules.
Additionally, only designated fuels should be used. Wet wood, plywood, and chemically treated wood cause soot buildup. When opening and closing the fuel inlet, caution should be taken to avoid burns, fuel should not be added all at once, and the inlet must be securely closed.
Furthermore, the chimney must be firmly fixed, and to prevent overheating and scattering of sparks, ashes should be sufficiently cooled before being disposed of in designated containers and locations. Regular cleaning (lightly tapping the chimney to remove tar) should also be performed frequently.
Meanwhile, the Korea Forest Service and Gangwon Province issued an unusual national wildfire disaster alert at the "Interest" level for the East Coast on December 30, 2022, after the fall wildfire caution period ended on December 15, and have extended and are operating the wildfire caution period.
The Korea Forest Service helicopter has been forward-deployed to the East Coast area (one unit in the Goseong-Sokcho region), and three leased wildfire-fighting helicopters have been pre-positioned (January 5) in the East Coast region, with about 800 personnel engaged in wildfire prevention and suppression.
To secure water for winter wildfire suppression, 31 reservoirs equipped with anti-freezing devices are being inspected simultaneously, and their operation and status are being checked regularly.
Lee Kwang-seop, Director of the Gangwon Province Wildfire Prevention Center, said, "Learning from the massive wildfires that occurred last year, we will do our utmost to protect the lives of the people and precious forests from wildfires through thorough year-round prevention monitoring and swift, systematic response."
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