Forest Science Institute Warns of 'High' Wildfire Risk on Election Day

On April 15, the election day, high temperatures and dry weather are expected to increase the wildfire risk index. In particular, the wildfire risk index is predicted to remain at a 'high' level until the end of this month, requiring special attention to wildfire prevention. Provided by the National Institute of Forest Science

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Ahead of the 21st general election, the nationwide wildfire risk index is expected to remain at a ‘high’ level, requiring special caution.

On the 14th, the National Institute of Forest Science’s Wildfire Prediction and Analysis Center forecasted the short-term wildfire risk index by region. On election day (the 15th), the highest temperature is expected to rise to between 16°C and 24°C, and the atmosphere will be dry, so the wildfire risk index is expected to remain at a ‘high’ level in most regions nationwide.

The wildfire risk index is expected to be maintained not only on election day but also until the end of this month. In addition, dry weather warnings have been issued in most regions nationwide, leading to predictions that forests will remain vulnerable to wildfires for the time being.

According to statistics from the Korea Forest Service, since 1996, three large-scale disastrous wildfires have occurred during spring elections in South Korea.

Among them, in 2000, when the 16th general election was held, a wildfire occurred on the East Coast, destroying 23,794 hectares of forest. The East Coast wildfire is recorded as the largest damage among major wildfires around the general election period.

Also, in 1996 (during the 15th general election), a wildfire damaged 3,834 hectares in Goseong, and in 2002 (during the simultaneous local elections and presidential election), wildfires damaged 3,095 hectares in Cheongyang and Yesan. Then, in 2018, ahead of the local elections, a wildfire occurred in Samcheok, destroying 117 hectares of forest.

In this regard, the Wildfire Prediction and Analysis Center of the National Institute of Forest Science emphasized, “Currently, as the National Assembly election approaches, interest in wildfire prevention tends to become lax,” adding, “On the other hand, caution regarding wildfire prevention is more urgent than ever.”

They also said, “As dry and windy weather is expected to continue nationwide around the election, we ask each citizen to pay special attention to wildfire prevention.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.