Naju-si, Spring Wildfire Prevention Activities Underway

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] On the 1st, Naju City in Jeollanam-do announced that it will carry out large-scale wildfire prevention activities until mid-month, including the weekend before Cheongmyeong and Hansik, when the risk of wildfires is highest throughout the year.

The city is conducting campaign activities to raise citizens' awareness of wildfire prevention in response to recent large-scale wildfire damage in the Gyeongbuk and Gangwon regions and the continuation of warm and dry weather.

Through the posting of banners at 40 locations with high foot traffic and a promotional campaign until the 17th, wildfire specialized firefighting teams, monitors, and public officials are urging the prohibition of burning waste on the edges of rice paddies and fields near forests, which are vulnerable to wildfires.

During the weekend before Cheongmyeong and Hansik (the 2nd and 3rd), all public officials from the main office and town, township, and neighborhood offices will be deployed on emergency duty to conduct wildfire surveillance and respond promptly to any incidents on site.

In spring, the probability of wildfires caused by human factors such as hikers and campers entering the mountains on weekends and burning the edges of rice paddies and fields before farming is high.

The city operates thermal imaging detection drones for wildfire monitoring, carefully observing the presence or absence of wildfires through real-time filming over forest areas and plans to respond swiftly in case of emergencies.

Burning the edges of rice paddies and fields, agricultural waste, and garbage near forest areas is subject to fines under the Forest Protection Act if caught.

Even accidental causes of wildfires can result in imprisonment of up to three years or fines of up to 30 million won, so special caution is required.

A city official said, “With the farming season underway, the risk of wildfires is high due to burning of agricultural waste on the edges of rice paddies and fields,” adding, “We hope for thorough preparedness by inspecting firefighting equipment, establishing strict response measures according to manuals, and ensuring safety during on-site dispatch for rapid response to wildfire occurrences.”

Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr