Uiseong Wildfire Contained After 'Three-Hour Battle'... Now It's Time to Find the Cause

Major Disaster Prevented by Swift Initial Response
Full-Scale Investigation by Special Judicial Police
Zero Tolerance for Illegal or Negligent Wildfires

The wildfire that broke out in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, was brought under control within approximately three hours thanks to a swift and systematic initial response, preventing it from escalating into a large-scale disaster.

Uiseong County has made it clear that it does not regard this wildfire as a simple accident. The county has launched a thorough investigation into the cause, led by special judicial police officers, and has stated its intention to hold those responsible fully accountable for illegal or negligent wildfires, adhering to a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Investigation into the Cause of Uiseong County Wildfire Begins

According to Uiseong County, the wildfire occurred at around 3:15 p.m. on January 10 in a mountain area within the county. At the time, the site was subject to dangerous conditions, with dry air and strong winds creating an environment where the fire could spread rapidly. However, the county immediately activated its emergency response stage and established a cooperative system with related organizations, including the Korea Forest Service and fire authorities.

Firefighting helicopters, personnel, and equipment were quickly deployed, and preemptive evacuation measures were taken for nearby residents to prevent casualties. As a result of these actions, the main fire was extinguished within about three hours of its outbreak, effectively preventing further damage.

Immediately after the fire was contained, Uiseong County began an investigation into the cause, led by special judicial police officers. The special officers plan to conduct a comprehensive analysis, including on-site inspections, interviews with related parties, and a review of nearby CCTV footage and communication records, to thoroughly determine the circumstances behind the wildfire.

In particular, if the investigation finds that the wildfire was caused by arson or gross negligence, strong legal action will be taken in accordance with relevant laws such as the Forest Protection Act and the Criminal Act, including the imposition of fines and referral of the case for prosecution based on the findings of the investigation.

A cooperative system was activated with related agencies such as the Korea Forest Service and fire authorities.

Under the current Forest Protection Act, even wildfires caused by negligence are subject to punishment. In cases of arson, offenders can face up to 15 years in prison, while negligence can result in up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Based on these legal grounds, Uiseong County has stated its position that it will pursue accountability for wildfires without exception and refer cases to investigative agencies as necessary.

Kim Jusu, Governor of Uiseong County, said, "I am deeply sorry for causing great concern to the residents due to the wildfire that occurred at the beginning of the year," and added, "Fortunately, the fire was extinguished without significant damage thanks to the rapid response, but we will thoroughly investigate the cause of the wildfire, led by the special judicial police officers."

He continued, "Wildfires can go beyond simple carelessness and become serious criminal acts that threaten the entire local community. We will respond strictly and without exception to illegal burning or wildfires caused by arson or gross negligence, in accordance with relevant laws."

Wildfires are no longer accidental incidents but have become "predictable disasters."

Uiseong County plans to use this wildfire as an opportunity to further strengthen surveillance and patrols in wildfire-prone areas and to conduct continuous crackdowns on illegal burning near forested areas. In addition, the county will reinforce its cooperative system with the Korea Forest Service, fire authorities, and police to ensure a faster and more systematic response in the event of similar situations.

With dry weather now a daily reality, wildfires have become "predictable disasters" rather than accidental incidents. The recent Uiseong wildfire is significant in that a prompt initial response prevented further damage, but it also clearly demonstrates the need for more decisive administrative and legal action in wildfire prevention and accountability. Attention is now focused on whether the zero-tolerance policy advocated by Uiseong County will serve as a real turning point in wildfire prevention.