"Firefighters Running Into Flames, Let's Help Them"… 500 Million Won Raised in Three Days

Fundraising to Improve Working Conditions for Firefighters and Wildfire Suppression Team Members
Severe Shortage of Protective Gear Such as Fire-Resistant Clothing
Contaminated Equipment Often Reused

On the 25th, the fourth day since the wildfire broke out in Uiseong-gun, Gyeongbuk, a fire caused by embers occurred in Hahwa 1-ri, Danchon-myeon, Uiseong-gun, where firefighters are moving to extinguish the fire. Photo by Yonhap News

A wildfire that broke out in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, spread to four cities and counties in the northeastern region, including Andong, driven by strong winds, causing significant casualties. Meanwhile, more than 500 million won was raised in just three days for a fundraising campaign aimed at improving the working conditions of firefighters and special wildfire disaster suppression team members risking their lives to extinguish the fire.

According to Naver Happybean, the fundraising website, about 540 million won had been donated by 3 p.m. on the 26th for the campaign supporting protective equipment for firefighters and wildfire suppression team members. The fundraising started on the 24th, making it just three days since its launch. Donations ranged from a few hundred won to several million won, contributed collectively by netizens.

The total fundraising amount of 800 million won will be fully used for firefighters and wildfire suppression team members. Of this, 600 million won will be allocated to support their protective equipment. This is to improve the harsh reality where most firefighters and wildfire suppression team members reuse contaminated gear due to a lack of dedicated washing facilities for fire-resistant clothing.

Firefighters are extinguishing the fire as the wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk spreads to Gilan-myeon, Andong, continuing to expand for the second day on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Korea Disaster Relief Association, which planned the fundraising, stated, “These heroes throw their entire bodies into fighting the blazing flames to protect lives, yet the equipment to protect their own lives is severely insufficient,” adding, “We must now protect these heroes who, even now, put on fire-resistant clothing that hasn’t been properly cleaned and run back into the flames.”

The remaining 200 million won will be used for support projects that help with their psychological stability. The Korea Disaster Relief Association appealed, “Firefighters and wildfire suppression team members live with deep physical and mental scars from extreme situations. However, facilities for mental and physical recovery are severely lacking. Before they face the flames again, please join us in helping them take care of their bodies and minds, even if just for a moment.”

On the Happybean website, donors’ supportive comments continue, such as “Thank you always. I hope the working environment improves soon,” “It’s a small amount, but I’m sending my heart,” “Please don’t get hurt. I pray every day while watching the news,” “My first small donation, I hope it helps even a little,” “Please prioritize safety,” and “I’m always sorry and thankful.”

Meanwhile, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, as of 9 a.m. on the 26th, the wildfire has resulted in 18 deaths. There are 19 injured in total, including 6 seriously injured and 13 lightly injured. Additionally, 209 locations including houses, factories, and cultural properties were burned, and about 27,000 people were evacuated due to the wildfire.

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