Gangneung Wildfire... Kwon Seong-dong "Must Minimize Civilian Casualties"

Published 11 Apr.2023 10:53(KST)

Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party representing Gangneung, called for "special efforts to minimize casualties" in response to the wildfire that broke out in the Gangneung area of Gangwon Province.

On the 11th, Kwon posted on his social networking service (SNS), "A fire has broken out near Unjeong-dong and Nangok-dong in Gangneung, and I am rushing there," he said.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Gangneung City in Gangwon is currently experiencing strong winds with maximum speeds of 30 meters per second, causing the wildfire to spread to residential areas and prompting evacuation orders for residents. The Korea Forest Service has issued a level 2 wildfire alert, and the fire department has raised the firefighting response to level 3 for emergency action.

Kwon said, "With the response elevated to level 3 and concerns about a large-scale fire, strong winds are preventing even helicopters from taking off," adding, "Although deploying firefighting helicopters is difficult, the fire is spreading to residential areas, and I urge the fire authorities to make every effort to minimize casualties and property damage among residents."

He also said, "At the same time, please ensure the utmost safety of all firefighters," and added, "I will personally visit the evacuated residents and do my best to provide all necessary support."