96 Companies and Organizations Take the Lead...
Donations of Goods Worth 470 Million KRW
Volunteer Center and Red Cross Also Join Relief Efforts
Providing Meals and Aid on Site
Following the wildfire that broke out in Onyang-eup, Ulju-gun on March 22 and resulted in a record-breaking forest damage of 931 hectares, companies and organizations are taking the lead in firefighting and recovery efforts.
This wildfire was particularly difficult to contain due to dry weather, strong winds, the high altitude and steep slopes of Daewoonsan, which made it hard to deploy firefighting personnel. In addition, adverse weather caused by fog made helicopter operations difficult, resulting in an unusually prolonged firefighting period.
Despite these challenges, Ulsan City, Ulju-gun, fire departments, and police worked together to visit residents in areas expected to be affected, ensuring their evacuation in advance. Continuous disaster alert messages and swift evacuation orders minimized casualties to just two people with minor injuries.
Furthermore, with the help of local volunteer fire brigades, the 127th military brigade, Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency's mobile unit, and the 7th Marine Brigade, as well as others who quickly responded from across the country, the spread of the fire was contained and secondary damage was prevented.
Notably, a total of 96 organizations and groups contributed donations and goods worth 470 million KRW (as of April 2, 2025), supporting recovery efforts and assisting those affected by the disaster.
Thirty-seven local companies, including Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant, SK Innovation, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and S-oil Onsan Plant, donated bottled water and snacks for firefighters and emergency personnel.
Additionally, eleven financial institutions, such as NH Nonghyup Bank Ulsan Headquarters and BNK Kyongnam Bank, provided donations and supplies needed for firefighting, including gloves and utility bags.
Moreover, 31 organizations, including Ulsan Saemaeul Association, Ulsan Council for the Right Living Movement, and Ulsan Branch of the Korea Freedom Federation, supplied beverages and fruit to comfort evacuees and firefighters exhausted by the wildfire.
Seventeen other institutions and individuals, including medical institutions, public agencies, and small business owners, also participated.
At the scene, the Korean Red Cross Volunteer Corps and the Ulsan Volunteer Center provided hope in various ways, such as operating food trucks for firefighters, organizing supplies, and offering psychological counseling.
A city official stated, "Thanks to the firefighters who risked their safety, the companies and organizations who generously donated, and the volunteers who quietly served on site, we were able to prevent greater damage and protect the safety of our community. The warm solidarity and cooperation shown by the local community in response to this wildfire will become a valuable asset in building a disaster-resilient Ulsan, protected together by all."
Ulsan City will send letters of appreciation to the volunteers and sponsoring organizations that participated in the firefighting and recovery process.
Through these letters, the city will express gratitude to the volunteers and supporting organizations for their unwavering assistance in firefighting and recovery, honor their dedication and compassion, and share the meaning of a community-driven disaster response.
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