Incheon Ganghwa-gun Wildfire... '0.15ha of Forest' Burned and Extinguished

A wildfire suppression helicopter from the Korea Forest Service is conducting firefighting activities at the wildfire site. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] A forest fire occurred in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, destroying an estimated 0.15 hectares of forest. The fire was extinguished about 1 hour and 30 minutes after it started.

According to the Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service on the 20th, the fire broke out around 11:54 a.m. at 295-35, Yeocha-ri, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon.

The forestry authorities urgently deployed firefighting resources including one forest fire suppression helicopter, 20 specialized forest firefighters, 10 forestry officials, and 30 firefighters to the scene, and extinguished the fire around 1:30 p.m.

The fire is estimated to have started when flames spread to the mountain from illegal burning of garbage at a nearby poultry farm.

Ko Rak-sam, head of the Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service, said, “During the Chuseok holiday, there is an increased risk of forest fires caused by the carelessness of visitors paying respects at graves, hikers, or illegal garbage burning near forests. In fact, 11 forest fires occurred during the Chuseok holiday in 2015.”

He added, “Even if the forest fire is caused by carelessness, the perpetrator can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. Considering this, residents near forests and hikers are urged to refrain from using fire when entering the mountains and to participate in forest fire prevention.”

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