Gyeonggi Fire Department Mobilizes All-Out Efforts for Forest Fire Prevention... Utilizes Integrated Control Center and 135 Drones

Over the past 10 years, 22% of all forest fires in South Korea have occurred in Gyeonggi Province.

According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the province recorded the highest number of forest fires nationwide, with 2,673 cases in the past 10 years (2015–2024), as announced on March 9.

Although Gyeonggi Province accounts for only 8% (512,000 hectares) of the country's forest area, it has a population of 14 million, and its urban and residential areas are adjacent to forests. Combined with the longest dry spell on record and the prolonged continuation of dry warnings and alerts, the risk of large-scale forest fires has been increasing.

In response, the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters is implementing a comprehensive response system with a focus on "preemptive containment."

The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters is deploying various equipment including drone helicopters for wildfire response during the spring season. Photo shows the wildfire response guidance poster from the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters. Photo by Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters

First, during the forest fire precaution period, the agency will establish an early warning system by conducting preventive patrols twice a day using 135 drones. In addition, the 119 Integrated Control Center will provide unified management by linking with the Korea Forest Service's situation system, so that field verification and situation notifications can be carried out immediately upon receiving a report.

Along with this, dedicated forest fire response teams and designated 119 safety centers will be operated on an emergency basis to enable an all-out response from the initial stage. Available resources, including eight specialized forest fire suppression vehicles and two fire helicopters, will be rapidly deployed.

Choi Yongcheol, Acting Head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "Gyeonggi Province faces a structural risk where a forest fire can immediately turn into an urban disaster. By mobilizing all our capabilities—including drones, helicopters, dedicated suppression teams, and the 119 integrated situation management—we will prevent forest fires from escalating into large-scale disasters."

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