Photo : YONHAP News
The government has designated March 14 through April 19 as a special countermeasures period to combat heightened wildfire risks.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Forest Service on Friday discussed measures to prevent large-scale forest fires and boost cooperation among related agencies.
In the last decade, 74 percent of large wildfires in South Korea, those that caused more than 100 hectares of damage, occurred between March and April, when the weather tends to be dry and windy.
During the special measures period that kicks off Saturday, the Korea Forest Service said it will strengthen forest fire prevention and mitigation efforts, adding that the head of the service will personally direct operations on site if a major wildfire is anticipated.
The National Fire Agency plans to deploy helicopters and fire trucks in advance to high-risk areas, while police stand ready to enforce strict punishment against those who start fires illegally or commit arson.
In addition, local governments will operate regional disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters and integrated field command centers for forest fire prevention and initial response activities.
Stressing that prevention is key, the interior ministry is urging the public to refrain from unlawful waste burning, especially near wooded and mountainous areas.