Gyeonggi-do Sees 29% Decrease in Spring Wildfires This Year

Wildfire Suppression Training

Spring wildfires in Gyeonggi Province have decreased by about 29% this year.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 23rd that there were 89 wildfires during this year's wildfire caution period (February 1 to May 15), a 29% decrease compared to 125 cases last year.

The province explained that the risk of wildfires decreased due to periodic rainfall, and the result was achieved through prompt initial response and promotional activities.

Analysis of the 89 cases showed that burning activities (20 cases, 22%) and cigarette-caused fires (9 cases, 10%) accounted for 32% of the total. This was followed by fires caused by visitors to ancestral graves (7 cases, 8%), building fires (6 cases, 7%), fires caused by mountain visitors (4 cases, 5%), and other causes such as industrial site fires (43 cases, 48%), mostly due to carelessness.

To respond to spring wildfires this year, Gyeonggi Province implemented various measures. It operated 33 wildfire prevention situation rooms in cities and counties and leased 18 wildfire suppression helicopters. Additionally, 11 mobile inspection teams were organized and operated to eradicate illegal burning activities.

Moreover, the province broadcasted 'wildfire prevention promotional videos' using about 8,000 G-Buses, outdoor advertising boards at large supermarkets, and apartment elevators. Furthermore, wildfire prevention education and training were conducted 103 times for local residents and wildfire suppression personnel.

Min Sun-gi, head of the Forest and Greenery Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "The various efforts made to respond to wildfires this year seem to have borne fruit, resulting in a decrease in wildfire occurrence rates. We will continue to implement measures, including securing national budget for the introduction of large helicopters, to further enhance wildfire prevention and response."

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