Fire Risk Alert Issued Nationwide at "Warning" Level... Emergency Response for Fall Wildfires

Level 1 Special Emergency Duty Readiness
31% of Fall Wildfires Caused by People Entering Forests
Rainfall at 76% of Average; “Drought” Conditions Worsen

At 9 a.m. on November 2, the National Fire Agency issued a “Warning” level fire risk alert to fire stations nationwide as the fall wildfire prevention period began, aiming to prevent fires from starting and spreading in forests and nearby areas.

The alert was decided following a situation assessment meeting held on October 30, after a comprehensive review of wildfire risk and weather conditions. It will remain in effect until separately lifted.

Over the past 10 years (2016–2025), an average of 44 wildfires occurred each year during the fall wildfire prevention period, affecting a total of 21 hectares. The leading cause was accidental fires started by people entering the mountains, at 31%, followed by the burning of garbage and fields (14%), building fires (11%), and carelessness in handling ashes (9%).

In particular, wildfire risk this fall (September–November) was forecast to be at the “somewhat high” level, mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province. Cumulative nationwide precipitation over the past six months was 810.6 mm, or 76.4% of the average, and dry conditions have persisted, with meteorological drought occurring in 75 cities and counties nationwide.

In response, the National Fire Agency directed fire stations nationwide to maintain a state of readiness equivalent to Level 1 special emergency duty.

Key measures include having fire station chiefs remain in the command chain and strengthening situation management; sending safety guidance text messages to people responsible for fire-vulnerable facilities; conducting mobile patrols in areas near forests; stepping up preventive patrols and public outreach at event venues; updating emergency contact networks with relevant agencies and strengthening situation-sharing systems; and maintaining readiness to mobilize volunteer firefighters in an emergency.

The National Fire Agency plans to promptly relay the alert to local governments, fire safety managers, and other relevant organizations, and step up prevention campaigns through electronic display boards and media outlets. It also urged people not to burn materials illegally near forests and to take care when handling fire while entering forested areas.

Joo Youngguk, Director of the 119 Response Bureau at the National Fire Agency, said, “In the fall, even a small fire caused by carelessness can grow into a major wildfire, making thorough prevention in advance essential.” He added, “We will do our utmost to protect the lives and property of the public by stepping up proactive prevention efforts and maintaining a rapid response posture.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.