14 Wildfires a Day in Dry Weather...Nationwide Forest Fires Cause Havoc
On the 7th, while the entire country experienced clear and dry weather, wildfires broke out in various locations. In some areas, the national wildfire disaster crisis alert was raised to 'Warning,' and a total of 14 wildfires occurred nationwide throughout the day.
The Korea Forest Service upgraded the national wildfire disaster crisis alert from 'Caution' to 'Warning' at noon on the 6th for Incheon (Ganghwa), northern Gyeonggi Province, and northern Gangwon Province.
By 5 p.m. on the same day, 14 wildfires had occurred: 6 in 5 cities/counties in Gangwon, 5 in 4 cities/counties in Gyeonggi, 1 in Incheon, 1 in Daegu, and 1 in Chungbuk. Some of these wildfires were found to have been caused by negligence such as arson by hikers or burning of garbage.
At the wildfire site in Hoengseong, Gangwon, a man estimated to be in his 80s was found dead, resulting in casualties. Some wildfires spread to nearby farms, causing property damage as well.
In Gyeonggi Province, a wildfire broke out at 3:02 p.m. in Baekdun-ri, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi, and was extinguished within 39 minutes. The fire is presumed to have spread from a fire in a vehicle near the forest.
In Incheon, a fire presumed to be caused by arson by a visitor broke out at 2:17 p.m. on Gyeyangsan in Gongchon-dong, Seo-gu, and was extinguished around 4:15 p.m., about two hours later. There were no casualties, but more than 2,000㎡ of forest ridge area was burned.
In a mountain in Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungbuk, a fire broke out at 10:54 a.m. and was extinguished in about 30 minutes. Although there were no casualties, the fire spread to a nearby apiary, destroying 150 out of 320 beehives, causing property damage estimated at around 30 million KRW.
Additionally, at 1:20 a.m., a wildfire presumed to have spread from garbage burning occurred in Jinin-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, and was extinguished within 20 minutes.
Hot Picks Today
As Samsung Falters, Chinese DRAM Surges: CXMT Returns to Profit in Just One Year
- "Most Americans Didn't Want This"... Americans Lose 60 Trillion Won to Soaring Fuel Costs
- Man in His 30s Dies After Assaulting Father and Falling from Yongin Apartment
- Samsung Union Member Sparks Controversy With Telegram Post: "Let's Push KOSPI Down to 5,000"
- "Why Make Things Like This?" Foreign Media Highlights Bizarre Phenomenon Spreading in Korea
The Central Wildfire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service urged, "Even a small spark can escalate into a large wildfire if not properly managed. Please refrain from illegal burning of agricultural residues and strictly manage fire sources."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
