Gapyeong County Launches Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Burning Until December 15 to Prevent Wildfire Risks

Gapyeong County Cracks Down on Illegal Burning During Wildfire Prevention Period
No Illegal Burning of Agricultural Waste
Violators Face Fines of Up to 1 Million Won

Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province has launched a focused crackdown on illegal burning activities in rural areas during the autumn wildfire prevention period. This crackdown, which began on November 3, will be carried out at random intervals throughout the county until the end of the wildfire prevention period on December 15.

Gapyeong County has launched a focused crackdown on illegal burning activities in rural areas during the autumn wildfire prevention period. Photo by Gapyeong County

In response to the heightened risk of wildfires caused by the illegal burning of agricultural waste vinyl and by-products, the county has organized inspection teams for each township to identify illegal burning sites and plans to impose fines of up to 1 million won on violators.

Previously, during the spring wildfire prevention period, the county worked to prevent illegal burning by putting up banners and educating residents, and has continued its efforts to prevent recurrence through ongoing awareness campaigns and crackdowns. For this autumn, the county also plans to actively promote proper disposal methods for agricultural waste and raise public awareness among residents.

According to the county, recyclable waste vinyl must have any foreign substances removed and be separated into black and white categories before being taken to temporary collection sites in each village. Non-recyclable waste vinyl should be placed in designated incineration bags or standard sacks and disposed of at regular household waste collection points.

Additionally, villages that generate more than 5 tons of waste vinyl will have the material transported to recycling facilities by private collection companies contracted by the Korea Environment Corporation, with the county providing compensation based on the amount collected. In contrast, villages with smaller amounts should request collection from their township offices to prevent environmental pollution in surrounding areas.

A Gapyeong County official stated, "Illegal burning is a primary cause of rural environmental pollution and a major factor in the outbreak of wildfires. We ask all residents to properly dispose of agricultural waste to help prevent wildfires and create a clean and safe rural environment."