Gyeongbuk Yeongju Fire Station's 'Mulya Dedicated Volunteer Fire Brigade' Prevents Large Forest Fire with Early Suppression

Activity scene of the 'Mulya Volunteer Fire Brigade' in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] The Gyeongbuk Provincial Fire Headquarters reported that on the 1st, during the wildfire in Mulya-myeon, Bonghwa, the rapid response of the 'Mulya Dedicated Volunteer Fire Brigade' prevented the fire from spreading into a large-scale wildfire.

A wildfire of unknown cause broke out in a hill adjacent to a residential area, and as it was at risk of rapidly expanding due to strong winds, the Yeongju Fire Station immediately issued Response Level 1.

Subsequently, 154 firefighting personnel, 51 pieces of equipment, and 4 helicopters were mobilized, and the main fire was successfully extinguished around 2:20 PM, two hours after the wildfire started.

At that time, volunteer firefighters Choi Chungmuk and Kim Jaeil, who were serving in the Mulya Dedicated Volunteer Fire Brigade, responded immediately upon receiving the wildfire report by driving the wildfire firefighting vehicle to the scene.

Upon arrival, they deployed the hose reel loaded on the firefighting vehicle to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses, and together with the arriving dedicated members and 40 volunteer firefighters from Bonghwa, they were able to suppress the wildfire early.

Cha Woncheol, captain of the Mulya Dedicated Volunteer Fire Brigade, said, "Due to the recent dry weather, the fire could have easily spread into a large-scale wildfire, but I am relieved that it was extinguished without major damage thanks to the prompt firefighting efforts."

Lee Youngpal, head of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Fire Headquarters, expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank the volunteer firefighters who voluntarily rushed to the scene, putting aside their livelihoods, to fight the wildfire."

He added, "I hope they will continue to do their best for the safety of the residents as guardians of regional disaster prevention, and we will not hesitate to provide necessary support."

The Mulya Dedicated Volunteer Fire Brigade was launched in 2010 to respond to disasters in remote areas without fire stations, and currently, 29 dedicated volunteer firefighters, including Captain Cha Woncheol, are active in serving the local community.

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