Yeongju City Activates Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Due to Nearby Wildfire Spread

All-Out Preemptive Response to Prevent Casualties

Yeongju City, North Gyeongsang Province, activated its Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and initiated emergency response measures from 6 p.m. on the 25th, as a wildfire that broke out in a nearby area spread and a strong wind advisory was issued.

Yeongju City is operating a Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in response to the spread of wildfires. Photo by Yeongju City

During a situation assessment meeting presided over by Acting Mayor Lee Jaehun of Yeongju City, it was decided to immediately activate the "reinforcement stage (initial response)" emergency system, considering that the wildfire crisis alert remained at the "severe" level and a strong wind advisory had been issued at 3 p.m.

Following this measure, the Safety and Disaster Division and the Forestry Division at City Hall began emergency duty. Nighttime wildfire monitoring systems have been strengthened in each town and township. The city also plans to thoroughly manage the reception and reporting of various damages caused by strong winds.

Acting Mayor Lee Jaehun instructed, "Town and township heads should check the emergency contact network by directly calling village leaders at least twice a day and strengthen patrols and guidance for residents." He also urged, "In addition to preventing damage to agricultural facilities, check evacuation sites in each village in advance to prepare for any emergencies."

Depending on the future progress of the wildfire, the city will consider adjusting the emergency response level of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and, if necessary, promptly carry out emergency restoration and damage assessments.

A Yeongju City official stated, "As weather conditions are rapidly changing, we ask all citizens to refrain from going out and to strictly follow safety guidelines regarding wildfires and strong winds," adding, "The city is making every effort in the initial response."