'High Temperature and Dryness' Cause Wildfires Across Regions This Weekend... April Declared 'Special Countermeasure Period'

18 Wildfires Occurred Nationwide on April 13-14
Government Designates April as 'Special Countermeasure Period'

In April, as high temperatures and dry weather continue day after day, about 10 wildfires occurred over the weekend of the 13th and 14th, raising concerns about large-scale wildfires. The government is operating a special countermeasure period to prevent large wildfires.

According to the forestry authorities on the 15th, 18 wildfires occurred from the 13th to the 14th in various locations including Paju, Gimpo, and Pocheon in Gyeonggi, Cheongsong in Gyeongbuk, Gokseong in Jeonnam, and Boryeong in Chungnam. Most were extinguished in the early stages, but the wildfire that broke out in the Demilitarized Zone in Cheorwon the previous day continued to be extinguished until this day.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In March of this year, 74 wildfires occurred, less than half of last year's 229, but from April, as temperatures gradually rise and the atmosphere becomes dry, creating weather conditions vulnerable to wildfires, authorities explained that caution is necessary. Previously, on April 11 last year, a large wildfire started by a utility pole fire in Gangneung destroyed 120 hectares of forest and caused significant damage to private properties such as pensions.

Currently, nationwide except for Jeju, the national crisis alert for wildfire disasters is at the 'Warning' level since the 8th, while Jeju is one level lower at the 'Caution' level. The alert system increases in order from 'Interest - Caution - Warning - Serious.'

The government has designated the entire month of April as the 'Special Wildfire Countermeasure Period' to strengthen wildfire monitoring activities and mobilize rapid firefighting resources. In addition, a government-wide plan is being prepared, including establishing a resident evacuation system.

Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, visited the Gangneung Forest Aviation Management Office of the Korea Forest Service and the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Wildfire Prevention Center on the 13th, stating, “From April to May, the possibility of large wildfires is high, so we must maintain a state of readiness to respond immediately without letting our guard down,” and added, “The government will make every effort to prevent wildfires by establishing a close cooperation system with local governments and related agencies for wildfire prevention and rapid response.”