Pohang City Maintains 24-Hour Wildfire Response System... Citizen Safety Remains Top Priority Until the End

Thorough Follow-up Measures for Mountain Entry Restrictions and Burning Ban in Forest-Adjacent Areas
Four Nighttime Wildfire Patrol Teams with Eight Members Deployed in Adjacent Cities and Counties

Pohang City has maintained a 24-hour response system to the wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province, which has continued for seven days as of the 28th. Since the 26th, the city has been holding emergency meetings every morning and afternoon to share updates on wildfire prevention efforts and to discuss improvements to on-site response measures.

Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang, presiding over an emergency meeting on wildfire response on the morning of the 28th. Provided by Pohang City

At the emergency wildfire response meeting convened on the morning of the 28th, it was announced that rain had fallen in some affected areas and humidity had increased, making it a golden time for wildfire suppression. In response, all available resources are to be concentrated on extinguishing the main fire. The city requested a review of where current firefighting resources have been deployed, identification of additional resources that can be urgently mobilized, and the establishment of emergency mobilization plans.

On this day, Mayor Lee Kangdeok noted that while the average wildfire containment rate in North Gyeongsang Province stands at 85%, the forecasted northwesterly winds and humidity dropping to as low as 15% from the afternoon of the 28th could leave embers smoldering under thick layers of fallen leaves. He stressed the need to remain vigilant until the very end and instructed thorough follow-up actions in accordance with the administrative order issued on the 27th, which imposed a complete restriction on mountain entry.

He emphasized the importance of strictly inspecting compliance with administrative orders for wildfire prevention, including the prohibition of mountain entry, a ban on smoking in forest-adjacent areas including golf courses, and a strict ban on burning activities. He also called for continued vigilance against rekindling by maintaining patrols by local leaders, operating nighttime wildfire patrol teams in adjacent cities and counties, and upholding the 24-hour response system.

Since the 27th, the city has been deploying helicopters provided for support to patrol the northern and eastern regions of North Gyeongsang Province twice daily after sunset. This is to gather information to confirm the wildfire's spread route and to assist in the deployment of firefighting equipment and personnel.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Accurately collecting information to predict the wildfire's path in advance, pre-positioning firefighting equipment and personnel, and proactively evacuating residents to ensure citizen safety are the most important priorities. Please remain vigilant until the very end to prevent any casualties or property damage, and revise and improve the resident evacuation plans as necessary."