Seoul: The government has issued a warning about the increased risk of wildfires due to a forecast of strong winds early this week, particularly affecting the eastern coastal regions. This announcement follows the containment of the nation's worst-ever wildfires late last month, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by such natural disasters.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Han-kyung, deputy chief of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He noted that wind speeds could reach levels similar to those experienced during the recent wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province. Lee urged the public to follow wildfire prevention guidelines, including exercising caution with potential ignition sources and avoiding the use of fire-related equipment or engaging in illegal incineration.
Forecasts by the interior ministry indicate that strong winds, reaching up to 20 meters per second, are expected to impact the coastal areas from 6 p.m. until Tuesday noon. In the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province, winds could exceed 25 meters per second. In light of these conditions, the Korea Forest Service and the National Fire Agency are taking proactive measures by deploying firefighting forces and helicopters to Gangwon Province and the eastern coast areas of North Gyeongsang Province.