Wildfires caused by individual negligence, including trash burning and fireworks, continue to spread across South Korea. Dry weather conditions persist while stronger-than-normal winds compound the damage. The government has pledged a zero-tolerance policy against illegal burning.
According to the Korea Forest Service on Sunday, 145 wildfires have occurred nationwide from January 1 through that day, scorching 662.44 hectares (one hectare equals 10,000 square meters). The affected area is equivalent to approximately 930 soccer fields. The final tally could increase as investigations into causes and damage assessments for some fires remain ongoing.
Compared to January-February last year (118 cases, 90.22 hectares), the number of incidents rose by nearly 30. The affected area expanded more than sevenfold.
By cause, trash burning topped the list with 17 cases. This was followed by four cases of fires started by hikers and three cases of burning on rice paddies and field ridges. Three fires were also attributed to grave visitors.
Most recent large-scale wildfires originated from individual carelessness. The Miryang wildfire in South Gyeongsang Province, which affected 143 hectares, is believed to have spread when sparks from trash burning reached nearby forests. Fire authorities issued a "National Fire Mobilization Order" while forestry authorities declared "Wildfire Response Level 2" to conduct suppression operations.
In Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, a hiker in his 80s showing dementia symptoms set fire to branches and fallen leaves to escape the cold. The blaze spread and destroyed approximately 4 hectares of forest land. In Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, two middle school students set off firecrackers on a hill, causing a fire that burned roughly 3,000 square meters of forest.
Intentional arson carries a prison sentence of one to 15 years. Negligent fire-starting can result in up to three years in prison or fines up to 30 million won. The government stated in a joint ministerial announcement on January 13 that it would "take strict zero-tolerance measures against negligent acts including illegal burning."