Jeong Jang-seon, Mayor of Pyeongtaek, "Requesting All Citizens to Participate in Supporting Wildfire-Affected Areas"

"An Unprecedented Disaster... Everyone Must Unite Their Efforts"
City Holds Emergency Meeting with Related Organizations to Support Affected Areas

Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province is promoting a 'Citywide Support for Disaster Victims' initiative to assist residents affected by wildfires in the Yeongnam region.

On the 28th, Mayor Jeong Jang-seon stated, "This wildfire has caused unprecedented damage that our country has never experienced before," adding, "The entire nation’s support is needed for recovery efforts." Mayor Jeong also said, "The city has decided to conduct a fundraising campaign involving all citizens to support the affected residents," and asked for the public’s participation.

Pyeongtaek’s fundraising will be conducted through the 'Gyeonggi Community Chest of Korea' until the 30th of next month. Citizens who wish to participate can donate by depositing funds into a special fundraising account. Detailed information about donations can be found on the 'Fruit of Love Gyeonggi Fundraising' website.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, as of 9 a.m. on the 28th, a total area of 48,151 hectares has been affected by the wildfire, resulting in 65 casualties including 28 deaths. A total of 2,407 households and 8,078 people have evacuated and have not yet returned home. Damage has occurred to 3,481 facilities including houses and factories.

On the same day in the afternoon, the city will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the participation of major institutions in Pyeongtaek. Attendees will include representatives from the Pyeongtaek Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pyeongtaek Industrial Complex Management Corporation, Pyeongtaek Cultural Center, Pyeongtaek Christian Federation, Pyeongtaek Buddhist Temple Federation, Pyeongtaek City Neighborhood Leaders Association, Pyeongtaek Residents’ Autonomy Council, Pyeongtaek Saemaul Association, Pyeongtaek Barugesalgi Movement Council, Korea Freedom Federation Pyeongtaek Branch, Pyeongtaek Social Welfare Council, Pyeongtaek Happiness Sharing Headquarters, Pyeongtaek Sports Council, NongHyup Pyeongtaek Branch, Korean Red Cross Pyeongtaek District Council, Rotary Club, and Lions Club officials.

The city plans to conduct fundraising activities targeting public officials and will also carry out fundraising campaigns at major public places within the city.

Previously, the city supported wildfire suppression efforts by providing one helicopter and 100 backpack pumps, and plans to coordinate with local governments in the affected areas to provide additional necessary equipment and supplies.

Meanwhile, on the 27th, the city held a wildfire prevention measures meeting chaired by Vice Mayor Lim Jong-cheol at key wildfire-prone areas including Buraksan Mountain. During the meeting, the city decided to focus administrative efforts on wildfire prevention and early response by promptly operating the Wildfire Prevention Headquarters and the Wildfire Situation Room, supporting the collection and shredding of agricultural byproducts, strengthening inspections and patrols to prevent illegal burning, and placing all staff on emergency standby according to wildfire alert levels.