Gimcheon City Mobilizes All Efforts for Wildfire Prevention Ahead of Cheongmyeong and Hansik

Operating a Special Emergency System
to Prevent Large-Scale Wildfires

Gimcheon City, North Gyeongsang Province, will operate a 'Special Wildfire Prevention Countermeasure Period' for three days from April 4 to 6, in observance of Cheongmyeong Arbor Day and Hansik.

Recently, due to strong winds and dry weather, large-scale wildfires have been occurring nationwide, and the national wildfire disaster crisis alert remains at the 'serious' level, indicating a high risk of wildfire outbreaks.

In response, Gimcheon City plans to flexibly adjust the operating hours of the Special Wildfire Prevention Countermeasure Headquarters around Cheongmyeong and Hansik, maintain a 24-hour emergency contact system, and strengthen proactive prevention activities by having senior officials directly communicate with local residents.

In particular, to prevent the main causes of wildfires?burning activities and accidental fires by visitors?the city has intensified crackdowns on burning near forest areas and the bringing in of flammable materials. In addition, by encouraging active participation from private organizations such as village chiefs, Saemaul leaders, volunteer fire brigades, and autonomous disaster prevention groups, the city aims to establish a thorough surveillance network.

Furthermore, on the days of Cheongmyeong and Hansik (April 4-5), the city will adjust the emergency duty hours of the professional wildfire prevention and suppression teams and pre-deploy leased helicopters to ensure a rapid initial response in case of a wildfire.

A Gimcheon City official stated, "April is a time of low humidity and strong winds, making it a period of high wildfire risk," and urged, "Please refrain from handling fire in forests and adjacent areas, and immediately report any burning activities or wildfires to your local administrative welfare center."

The official further emphasized, "As we are mobilizing all administrative resources to prevent wildfires, the active cooperation of all citizens is essential."