Intensive Deployment of Specialized Wildfire Prevention Teams
Fines Imposed for Illegal Burning Activities
Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 24th that it will intensively crack down on illegal burning activities around forests to prevent wildfires.
A fire site caused by illegal burning in rice paddies and fields adjacent to the forest. Yongin City conducts intensive crackdowns to prevent spring forest fires. Provided by Yongin City
The city will focus on deploying specialized wildfire prevention and suppression teams in eup and myeon areas and increase patrol frequency to strengthen surveillance of illegal burning activities. The main targets for crackdown are ▲illegal burning of agricultural residues and garbage within 100 meters of forest-adjacent areas ▲lighting fires or bringing flammable materials into forests or forest-adjacent areas ▲smoking or discarding cigarette butts, among others. Unauthorized entry into restricted forest areas is also subject to enforcement.
The city will impose fines of up to 500,000 KRW according to the Forest Protection Act if illegal burning is detected. In cases where wildfires occur due to negligence, offenders may face criminal charges with imprisonment of up to three years or fines up to 30 million KRW. Both fines and imprisonment or fines are subject to dual penalties under the relevant law’s joint liability provisions.
Mayor Sang-il Lee stated, "If a wildfire occurs during dry weather conditions, it can cause enormous human and property damage," adding, "We will thoroughly crack down on illegal burning and ensure that citizens maintain heightened awareness regarding the use of fire within forests."
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