National Wildfire Disaster Alert Raised to "Attention" Level
Two Leased Helicopters for East Coast Wildfire Response to Be Deployed Early Starting September 15
On September 12, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that it has established and is implementing the "2025 East Coast Summer Wildfire Prevention Special Measures" in response to the heightened risk of wildfires during the summer due to severe drought and heatwaves along the East Coast, mobilizing all available resources to prevent wildfires.
A panoramic view of the Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.
During the summer wildfire prevention special measures period, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Wildfire Prevention Center will operate its wildfire situation room 24 hours a day and maintain an organic situation management and rapid response system in cooperation with wildfire-related agencies such as the Korea Forest Service.
Additionally, the Wildfire Prevention Center will deploy two medium-sized leased helicopters starting from September 15 for early response. One helicopter will be stationed in the Samcheok area (Samcheok, Donghae, Gangneung) and the other in the Goseong area (Goseong, Sokcho, Yangyang) to strengthen initial firefighting readiness. Furthermore, a total of 19 helicopters-including those from the Korea Forest Service, leased helicopters, fire departments, and military units-will be on standby at all times to respond immediately in the event of a wildfire, maintaining a constant response system.
In addition, 1,632 wildfire response personnel, including public official firefighting teams, will be mobilized for emergency deployment in case of wildfires, and approximately 39,000 pieces of equipment such as fire trucks, backpack pumps, and personal firefighting gear will be stationed. The province also plans to closely collaborate with 197 aerial and special firefighting personnel from the Korea Forest Service (Eastern and Northern Regional Offices) to enhance initial firefighting response capabilities.
Yoon Seung-ki, Director of the Forest Environment Bureau of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Due to the severe drought, the East Coast region is extremely dry, and even a small spark can lead to a wildfire, so special caution from local residents is necessary." He added, "In particular, burning waste illegally or conducting burning activities near forest areas are subject to fines, so we urge everyone to refrain from such actions."
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