"Wildfire on the East Coast Also Hits Animals"... What Will Happen to Animals Left Behind at the Fire Site?

Animals Left Behind at Fire Scenes While Fleeing Flames
Current Guidelines Prohibit Animals in Evacuation Shelters
Animal Rights Groups Call for Rescue and Protection Systems in Disasters

As the large wildfire on the East Coast continues for the fifth day, the damage to animals is also increasing. The photo shows a dog rescued by activists from Animal Rights Action 'Kara' at the fire site in Uljin, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kara Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The main fire of the wildfires in Donghae and Gangneung, Gangwon Province, was contained at 7 p.m. on the 8th, four days after it started. The uncontrollable flames completely destroyed houses, temples, and more, leaving residents homeless overnight. The damage to animals in the affected areas is also significant. Many pets were left behind and abandoned at the fire sites as people hurriedly evacuated and could not take them along. In particular, there is growing criticism that the current system is inadequate for rescuing and protecting animals during disasters, as animals are not allowed to enter evacuation shelters.

The wildfires that occurred along the East Coast regions including Uljin in Gyeongbuk, and Gangneung and Samcheok in Gangwon, are the second largest in history following the 2000 East Coast wildfires (damage area of 23,794 hectares). According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as of 6 a.m. on the 8th, the estimated total affected area of the Gangwon wildfires is 21,772 hectares, which is more than one-third the size of Seoul (60,500 hectares). Notably, the Uljin wildfire in Gyeongbuk spread some embers up to the boundary of the Geumgang Pine tree colony.

The scale of the flames corresponds to the extent of animal damage. On the 6th, the animal rights organization 'CARE' announced via their official Instagram that dogs abandoned during the urgent evacuation caused by the Uljin wildfire in Gyeongbuk died burning in 'cages.' The dogs trapped in cages could not escape the flames and either burned to death or suffocated from inhaling smoke.

CARE reported, "At a dog farm in Goseong-ri, about 170 dogs were living in 'cages.' Due to the wildfire, 8 dogs died from burns or suffocation, and 10 others suffered severe burns requiring urgent treatment," adding "Since yesterday, water has not been available, so the dogs have been starving, and those with severe burns are being neglected."

Many pets are left behind and abandoned at fire scenes during urgent evacuations. The photo shows a dog found by animal rights group Care activists at a fire site. Next to it is a doghouse with a roof melted by fire, lying on the ground. Photo by Care Instagram

Pets cared for by families are no different. Many animals were left behind at the fire sites after their owners hurriedly evacuated from the sudden disaster. The animal rights group 'KARA' visited an evacuation center in Uljin and reported that many people expressed concerns about pets left at home or lost. Even when evacuating with pets, current guidelines prohibit pets from entering shelters, so they must be left outside.

As a result, there is criticism that a system to rescue and protect animals during disasters must be established. Animal rights organizations argue that animals should also be protected in disaster situations.

Jeon Jin-kyung, CEO of KARA, said, "The scene is very tragic. It goes without saying that people are suffering, but animals are also severely affected by the fire," explaining, "Many people leave their pets behind because animals are not allowed to enter shelters, and they come back and forth worried about their pets. Returning to the fire site to care for pets is problematic because the air quality is poor and it forces them to relive the trauma of the fire."

Jeon also suggested that animals can be adequately protected within the current relief system. She said, "A separate area for animals can be set up inside the shelter. This would accommodate both people who are uncomfortable with animals and those who are with animals," adding, "If it is difficult to create such a space inside, an external area near the shelter can be designated to protect animals."

Meanwhile, Gyeongbuk Province announced on the 7th that it will provide free medical treatment for animals affected by the Uljin wildfire for three days starting from that day. The province will urgently form an animal medical support team in cooperation with the Gyeongbuk Veterinary Association to supply veterinary medicines and quarantine supplies and provide medical care to pet owners and livestock farmers.

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