Chungnam Issues Fire Warning for Spring Field and Paddy Ridge Burning

Black ash covers the site of the wildfire that occurred on the 22nd of last month in Boksu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam Province. Photo by Chungnam Fire Headquarters

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters has urged caution to prevent wildfires ahead of the spring farming season.

According to the provincial fire headquarters on the 22nd, a total of 480 wildfires occurred in Chungnam from 2017 to 2021, resulting in 4 deaths and 12 injuries.

In particular, the number of wildfires occurring from February to April over the past five years was 323, accounting for 67% of the total, and fires caused by negligence totaled 467, making up 97% of all cases, highlighting the need for special caution regarding spring wildfires, according to the provincial fire headquarters.

During this period, fires occurred most frequently in the following order: waste incineration 178 cases (38%), burning of rice paddies and fields 124 cases (27%), cigarette butts 71 cases (15%), and neglecting smoldering embers 42 cases (9%).

This year, on the 22nd of last month, a fire broke out in a reed field in Boksu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, where waste was being incinerated, and the fire spread to an adjacent grassland, destroying 20,000㎡.

In this regard, the provincial fire headquarters plans to strengthen crackdowns on unauthorized crop burning near forest areas to prevent wildfires.

Additionally, in preparation for large-scale forest fires, maintenance of firefighting equipment and securing sufficient firefighting water sources such as fire hydrants and water intake facilities will be promoted.

The current Forest Protection Act stipulates that a fine of up to 300,000 KRW can be imposed for lighting fires or carrying fire in forests or adjacent areas.

Also, the Waste Management Act specifies that a fine of up to 1,000,000 KRW can be imposed if caught incinerating household waste.

Oh Kyung-jin, head of the fire investigation team at the provincial fire headquarters, said, “Due to the dry weather and strong winds in spring, wildfires can easily escalate into large-scale forest fires these days,” and added, “We ask for the active interest and caution of residents to prevent fires.”

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