Gangwon Province Achieves Early Containment of Hwacheon-gun Bangcheon-ri Wildfire with Intensive Deployment of Leased Helicopters

Nine Firefighting Helicopters Urgently Deployed
Spread Contained Within First 30 Minutes
Swift Response in Forest Area Prevents Further Escalation

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Wildfire Prevention Center (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on November 10 that it had successfully achieved early containment of a wildfire that broke out at 12:13 PM in San 190, Bangcheon-ri, Gando-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, by urgently deploying nine wildfire firefighting helicopters.

Wildfire firefighting helicopter. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Wildfire Prevention Headquarters

The area of San 190, Bangcheon-ri, Gando-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, where the wildfire occurred, was inaccessible to vehicles, making firefighting efforts challenging. However, four leased helicopters stationed in nearby regions were proactively deployed to prevent the fire from spreading at an early stage. Additionally, helicopters from the Korea Forest Service, fire department, and military (five units) were dispatched and deployed, allowing the main fire to be extinguished within two hours.

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Wildfire Prevention Center emphasized, "Even a small spark can lead to a large-scale wildfire if neglected. We urge everyone to strictly refrain from bringing any sources of ignition into forests and to exercise special caution in managing embers."

Furthermore, the center stated, "Anyone found responsible for causing a wildfire, even due to minor negligence, may face up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won in accordance with Article 53 of the Forest Protection Act."

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