Wildfires in Four Locations in Southern Gyeonggi... Burning Trash Sparks Spread by Strong Winds

Consecutive Wildfires Break Out in Southern Gyeonggi Province
Most Fires Believed to Be Caused by Burning
Authorities Warn of Rapid Spread Due to Dry Weather and Strong Winds
Negligence Can Lead to Severe Penalties Under Forest Protection Act

On the 15th, wildfires occurred consecutively in the southern part of Gyeonggi Province. Most of the fires are presumed to have been caused by burning.

At 9:42 a.m. that day, a wildfire broke out in Daedaeri, Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, and was extinguished within 39 minutes. Approximately 200 pyeong of forest land was burned by this fire. Fire authorities believe the fire spread to the mountain after being started by a fire nearby.

At 11:54 a.m., a fire broke out in Daegalli, Gosam-myeon, Anseong-si, and was extinguished within 30 minutes. It is known that the flames spread from burning trash. An elderly man in his 80s who witnessed this suffered first-degree burns on his face while trying to put out the fire and was taken to the hospital.

Wildfire in Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province. Provided by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters.

At 11:57 a.m., a wildfire also occurred in Jangan-ri, Jangan-myeon, Hwaseong-si, and was extinguished within 36 minutes.

Earlier, at 9:41 a.m., a wildfire broke out in Seoneup-ri, Janghowon-eup, Icheon-si, and the flames were controlled after 1 hour and 9 minutes.

The Central Wildfire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service warned, "Due to the dry weather and strong winds in spring, even a small spark can quickly spread into a large fire," urging caution. They added, "Even if a fire is caused by minor negligence, the person responsible for the wildfire can be punished under the Forest Protection Act with imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won."