Gyeonggi-do Forms Mobile Crackdown Team... Full Effort to Prevent Large Forest Fires

~4.17 Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Burning, Smoking, and Cooking Activities

Incineration Activity Crackdown [Korea Forest Service]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As the large-scale wildfire on the East Coast continues for the fourth day, Gyeonggi Province is launching a focused crackdown on illegal burning activities.

On the 7th, Gyeonggi Province announced, "We have organized 11 mobile inspection teams consisting of 33 members from three forestry departments within the province, and will operate them until April 17, when the special large wildfire countermeasure period ends."

Considering that the main causes of spring wildfires are illegal burning or accidental fires caused by carelessness of visitors (such as cigarette butts), the province plans to focus inspections on burning of rice paddies and field edges, agricultural waste and household garbage incineration, smoking, and cooking activities along hiking trails, farmland, and areas adjacent to forests.

If caught illegally burning within 100 meters of a forest, a fine of 300,000 KRW will be imposed. If a wildfire is caused by negligence endangering the public, the offender may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.

Since large and small wildfires also occur in metropolitan areas such as Daemosan in Seoul and Surisan in Ansan, the province urged residents to follow wildfire prevention rules during the special large wildfire countermeasure period.

Lee Sung-gyu, head of the Forestry Division, said, "Even in areas where entry is allowed, carrying fire sources such as lighters or burners or flammable materials is prohibited," and added, "We ask for active participation from residents in wildfire prevention and monitoring activities."

Meanwhile, the government issued a national crisis alert level of 'Severe' on the 4th for Uljin, Gyeongbuk, and Samcheok, Gangwon.

Additionally, the special large wildfire countermeasure period has been set and will be operated from March 5 to April 17, one week earlier than last year (March 13 to April 18).

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