Gangwon Province Mobilizes Full Response to Forest Fires... Early Activation of Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters at 181 Agencies

Early Activation Advanced from February 1 to January 20
Operations Planned Until May 15
Includes 3,400-Liter Medium Helicopter for Yeongdong Region
Eight Contracted Firefighting Helicopters Deployed Early

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) has advanced the operation period of its Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters from the originally planned February 1 to January 20, launching the system early to proactively respond to spring forest fires.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

Accordingly, by May 15, the province will establish Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters at 181 offices, including provincial, city, county, and township offices. In addition, 1,264 forest fire monitors and 1,241 disaster response personnel will be pre-deployed across 18 cities and counties within the province to maintain an emergency work system.

This measure is a proactive response that comprehensively considers the prolonged dry weather conditions and the issuance of a national forest fire crisis alert at the "Caution" level, both of which indicate a high probability of forest fires.

To ensure swift situational assessment and rapid initial response in the event of a forest fire, the province has switched the Forest Fire Response Situation Room at the Forest Fire Prevention Center to a 24-hour operation system. In addition, as of January 19, eight contracted firefighting helicopters, including a 3,400-liter medium-sized helicopter, have been deployed early, focusing on the Yeongdong region.

Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province stated, "We have activated our response system early to prepare for the heightened risk of forest fires," and added, "Since initial response is of utmost importance, we will strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to safeguard the safety of our residents."