Gyeongnam Province's Wildfire Response is a 'Race Against Time'... Penalties Imposed on Local Governments

Announcement of Wildfire Prevention Measures and Request for Prompt Local Government Response

Direct Shredding of Agricultural Residues and Expansion of Restricted Mountain Entry Zones

Gyeongsangnam-do announced wildfire prevention measures on the 10th, urging local governments to respond quickly in the event of a wildfire.

According to Gyeongnam Province, there have been three large wildfires in the province from 2022 to this year, with a damage area reaching 1,093 hectares.

The province identified the main causes of wildfires as the burning of agricultural residues and arson by visitors to the mountains, and announced prevention measures accordingly.

For burning countermeasures, the measures include ▲direct operation of agricultural shredders by city and county governments ▲direct shredding of agricultural residues by wildfire suppression personnel from November to December ▲collection of agricultural nonwoven fabrics from February to April.

To prepare for arson, the measures include ▲temporary expansion of mountain entry restriction zones this year ▲strengthening proactive prevention activities and customized publicity ▲adjusting wildfire watcher working hours and reinforcing night shift personnel.

Patrols by workers in towns and townships will be expanded, wildfire prevention education will be conducted at regular community meetings and village chief meetings, and customized campaigns for the elderly will be carried out.

The number of villages pledging to be “Green Villages Without Burning Wildfires” will be increased, and a proposal will be made to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to broadcast wildfire prevention promotional videos during the main viewing hours of the elderly.

For wildfire response, tabletop exercises will be continuously conducted covering the establishment of a disaster comprehensive support system, strengthening the capabilities of wildfire suppression personnel, evacuation of residents and relief for disaster victims, and protection of vulnerable groups and key facilities.

Choi Man-rim, Deputy Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is announcing measures related to wildfire response and prevention.
[Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]

The province decided to impose penalties on local governments if a large wildfire occurs.

Considering the number of wildfire occurrences and the number of large wildfires over 100 hectares that trigger the three-stage wildfire response, the relevant local governments will face ▲reduction of special adjustment grants ▲lower ranking in evaluations of provincial public contest projects ▲investigations of city/county governments and responsible officials and personnel measures.

A provincial official said, “We will further support local governments so that they can thoroughly respond to wildfires on a regular basis and respond quickly when wildfires occur,” adding, “Rapid response such as initial action is important in wildfires, so we hope local governments will make efforts accordingly.”

Choi Man-rim, the Deputy Governor for Administration, said, “Recently, one or more wildfires, large and small, have occurred daily in our province,” adding, “Both prevention and response to wildfires are important, and for this, the thorough efforts of public officials and cooperation of residents are crucial.”

He continued, “I express my apologies regarding the wildfire in Hapcheon, which was the first to trigger the three-stage wildfire alert this year,” and said, “We will do our utmost to minimize wildfire occurrences through wildfire prevention and response measures.”

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