Gyeongnam Governor Park Wansu's Emergency Statement on Wildfire: "Determined to Contain the Flames Today, All-Out Response"

As large-scale wildfires have broken out in areas of Gyeongnam, including Sancheong and Gimhae, Governor Park Wansu made an emergency statement on the 23rd.

Governor Park stated, "Despite the full efforts of Gyeongnam Province, the National Fire Agency, and related organizations, the large wildfire that started in Sancheong on the 21st has not been easily contained for several days," and emphasized, "I have issued an urgent directive for all cities and counties in the province to establish comprehensive response systems, and we are focusing administrative resources on wildfire prevention, early extinguishing, and protection of human lives."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is giving instructions on the response of each city and county according to the wildfire situation in the province at an emergency video conference between the province and cities/counties held at Sancheong County Office. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

He continued, "A moment of carelessness by any one of us can lead to losses not only for the local community but for the entire nation," and appealed, "I earnestly ask everyone to refrain from burning rice paddies or field edges near mountains, to ban the incineration of by-products and trash, and to avoid entering the mountains."

He also added, "Please be aware that even minor actions such as smoking in wildfire-prone areas or throwing cigarette butts out of moving vehicles can cause fires."

Governor Park expressed his condolences for the four wildfire response personnel and public officials who died in the line of duty while fighting the wildfires.

He said, "Regrettably, four people who participated in the Sancheong wildfire response on the 22nd lost their lives," and added, "I deeply pray for the repose of the deceased and offer my condolences and comfort to the bereaved families who have suddenly lost their loved ones."

He went on to say, "The efforts of every single resident to prevent wildfires are desperately needed," and added, "The cooperation of each and every resident in wildfire prevention will be of great help in all processes of firefighting and accident recovery."

He also said, "I ask for the special attention and active cooperation of all residents," and pledged, "We will do our utmost to extinguish the wildfires by mobilizing all available equipment and personnel."

Firefighters are conducting nighttime firefighting operations at a wildfire site in Sancheong County, Gyeongnam Province. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Earlier that morning, Governor Park shared the wildfire situation in the province and response plans by city and county, and checked the response system during an emergency video conference on wildfire response held at Sancheong County Office with provincial and city/county officials.

He stated, "The key to wildfire response is weather conditions and initial response," and instructed, "Each agency, including public officials, fire departments, police, and the military, must clearly fulfill their roles so that resident evacuation, material support, and traffic control are carried out without confusion."

He also ordered, "Both Gimhae and Sancheong must respond with the determination to completely extinguish the fires within today."

As of 1 a.m. on this day, about 65% of the wildfire that broke out in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong County on the 21st had been extinguished, and about 90% of the wildfire that started in Hallim-myeon, Gimhae on the 22nd had been put out by the same time.

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