🚨 Wildfire: Safety Guide from Causes to Evacuation Procedures

Today Korean Social News | 2025.03.27

📌 17 Dead Including Helicopter Crash in North Gyeongsang Forest Fire... 20,000 Evacuated

💬 A forest fire that started in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province has spread to Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, resulting in 17 deaths and the evacuation of approximately 20,000 people. At 12:54 PM on the 26th, a helicopter fighting the fire in Sinpyeong-myeon, Uiseong-gun crashed, killing the pilot. In Yeongdeok-gun, fatalities occurred when vehicles exploded as retirement home residents were evacuating. Forest authorities have temporarily suspended helicopter operations and will decide on resuming operations after emergency inspections.

Summary

• Wildfires are natural disasters that spread rapidly when dry weather and strong winds combine, causing serious damage to lives and property.
• Most wildfires in Korea are caused by human activities, with spring (February-May) and fall (November-December) being high-risk seasons.
• When a wildfire occurs, prompt reporting (119) and evacuation to safe areas are crucial, and special caution with fire is necessary when hiking in forests.

1️⃣ Definition

A wildfire is a fire that occurs in forests or mountainous areas, where trees, grass, fallen leaves, and other combustible materials burn and spread as a disaster. Simply put, it's a fire that occurs in mountains, destroying trees and forest ecosystems, and sometimes causing serious damage to human lives and property.

Wildfires are classified as natural ignition (lightning, etc.) or human-caused ignition (cigarettes, illegal burning, accidents, etc.), and can spread quickly to become large-scale fires when dry weather and strong winds combine.

💡 Why is this important?

• Once a wildfire occurs, it's difficult to extinguish and the scale of damage can be enormous.
• When a forest ecosystem is destroyed, it takes decades to recover.
• Recently, the frequency of large-scale wildfires has been increasing due to climate change.

2️⃣ Wildfire Characteristics and Response Systems

📕 Types of Wildfires and Spread Factors

• Wildfires can be classified into several types based on location and characteristics. Wildfires are categorized into various types depending on where they occur and how they spread. First, ground fires burn combustible materials on the ground surface such as fallen leaves, grass, and shrubs. This is the most common type and is relatively easier to extinguish. Second, crown fires spread through the tops (crowns) of trees. They spread very quickly and are difficult to extinguish, making them the most dangerous type. Third, subsurface fires burn peat, humus layers, and roots underground, which are difficult to detect and extinguish because they're not visible on the surface. Fourth, spot fires occur when sparks or embers are carried by wind to start new fires in distant locations. When spot fires occur in strong winds, controlling wildfires becomes extremely difficult.

• Multiple factors influence the occurrence and spread of wildfires. Various factors such as weather, terrain, and fuel act together to influence the occurrence and spread of wildfires. First, weather conditions are the most important factor. Dry weather, strong winds, and high temperatures greatly increase the likelihood of wildfire occurrence and spread. The risk of wildfires increases especially when humidity is low and wind speed is high. Second, topographical characteristics are also important factors. In areas with steep slopes, fire spreads rapidly upward, and the direction and speed of fire progression vary depending on the shape of valleys and ridges. Third, fuel conditions affect wildfire spread. Areas with more combustible materials such as dry leaves, dead trees, and shrubs have higher wildfire risk. Fourth, human activity patterns also influence wildfire occurrence. The risk of accidental fires increases when more people visit mountains on weekends or holidays, and the risk of wildfires is higher during farming seasons due to burning of field ridges.

📕 Wildfire Response Systems and Procedures

• Response systems operate centered around the Wildfire Prevention Headquarters. Korea establishes and operates Wildfire Prevention Headquarters at the Korea Forest Service and local governments during wildfire prevention periods (spring: February-May, fall: November-December). During these periods, an emergency response system operates with the head of the Korea Forest Service (central) and heads of local governments (regional) as headquarters chiefs. 24-hour situation rooms are operated to maintain wildfire surveillance and rapid response readiness. When a wildfire occurs, the Korea Forest Service, fire departments, police, and military units cooperate in firefighting operations. Firefighting operations involve ground firefighting teams, firefighting helicopters, and military personnel depending on the scale and spread of the wildfire. Helicopters are particularly important firefighting tools for mountain areas that are difficult to access or for large-scale wildfires.

• The wildfire extinguishing process consists of several stages. Wildfire suppression follows systematic procedures. First, in the initial response stage, the closest firefighting team is dispatched to the scene after receiving a wildfire report to assess the situation and attempt initial suppression. Second, in the containment stage, firebreaks are established or surrounding combustible materials are removed to prevent the spread of the wildfire. Third, in the main suppression stage, aerial suppression by helicopters and ground suppression by firefighting teams are conducted simultaneously. Fourth, in the mop-up stage, remaining embers are extinguished and monitored until they are completely eliminated. In the final post-management stage, restoration of damaged areas and prevention measures are established. The difficulty of wildfire suppression varies greatly depending on weather conditions, terrain, and accessibility, and large-scale wildfires may require continuous firefighting operations for days to weeks.

Public Action Guidelines During Wildfires

1. Prompt reporting: Immediately report to 119 or the Korea Forest Service Wildfire Report (042-481-4119) when discovering a wildfire
2. Safe evacuation: Quickly evacuate in the opposite direction of the wind from wildfire areas
3. Stay informed: Check the latest situation and evacuation information through TV, radio, and emergency text messages
4. Predict fire path: Wildfires spread rapidly upslope and in the direction of the wind
5. Protect respiratory system: Cover nose and mouth with a wet towel in smoky areas
6. Move to shelters: Head to designated temporary shelters such as government offices and schools
7. Avoid hasty returns: Refrain from returning to danger zones until wildfire suppression is complete
8. Follow authorities' instructions: Actively cooperate with the guidance and instructions of fire departments, police, and forest authorities
9. Help neighbors: Assist vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled in evacuation
10. Do not attempt personal firefighting: It is absolutely prohibited for the general public to attempt personal firefighting as it is dangerous

3️⃣ Wildfire Impacts and Prevention Measures

✅ Environmental and Social Impacts of Wildfires

• Wildfires cause long-term damage to forest ecosystems. When a wildfire occurs, forest ecosystems suffer serious damage in various aspects. First, vegetation is destroyed. Various plants including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are burned and lost, significantly reducing forest biodiversity. Second, soil deterioration occurs. The organic layer on the ground surface is lost and soil microorganisms decrease, degrading soil quality. Third, the risk of soil erosion increases. Due to vegetation loss, soil easily erodes when it rains, increasing the risk of secondary disasters such as landslides. Fourth, wildlife habitats are destroyed. Many wildlife lose their habitats or die directly from the fire. Fifth, carbon emissions increase. Carbon stored in trees and plants is released into the atmosphere due to wildfires, accelerating climate change. These ecosystem damages take decades to recover, and in some cases, permanent changes may occur.

• Wildfires also cause direct damage to human lives and property. Wildfires have serious impacts not only on ecosystems but also on human society. First, there are human casualties. People at wildfire sites or firefighters, soldiers participating in suppression operations may die or be injured due to fire or smoke. Second, property damage occurs. Houses, farmland, livestock, and facilities near forests burn, causing significant economic losses. Third, infrastructure is destroyed. Important infrastructure such as power lines, communication facilities, and water facilities are destroyed, causing great inconvenience to local residents' daily lives. Fourth, psychological trauma occurs. Wildfire survivors may experience psychological trauma such as fear, loss, and depression, which can lead to long-term mental health problems. Fifth, local economies are impacted. Regional economies can be significantly contracted due to the loss of forest resources, decline in tourism, and reconstruction costs.

✅ Wildfire Prevention Efforts and Technologies

• Various prevention measures are being implemented to prevent wildfires. The government and local authorities are implementing various policies to prevent wildfires. First, during high-risk periods (spring and fall wildfire prevention periods), measures such as forest access control and trail closures are taken. Second, wildfire lookouts are deployed to maintain 24-hour surveillance systems. Third, wildfire danger indices are published to inform the public about risk levels and urge caution. Fourth, public awareness and education are conducted to raise wildfire prevention consciousness. Fifth, guidance and enforcement are used in parallel to prevent illegal burning or accidental fires by forest visitors. Sixth, combustible materials in forests are managed to reduce the possibility of wildfire spread. Periodic thinning, pruning, and removal of fallen leaves are conducted to reduce forest fuel loads.

• Advanced technologies for wildfire monitoring and suppression systems are being introduced. Recently, advanced technology prevention and response systems for wildfires are being introduced. First, drone-based wildfire monitoring is expanding. Drones can efficiently monitor large areas, and when equipped with thermal cameras, can detect initial embers. Second, artificial intelligence (AI)-based wildfire detection systems are being developed. These systems automatically detect smoke or flames by analyzing CCTV footage with AI. Third, satellite data is being used for wildfire monitoring. Real-time fire conditions in extensive areas can be identified through satellite imagery. Fourth, wildfire spread prediction modeling is being utilized. This technology predicts the direction and speed of wildfire spread by analyzing weather data, topographical information, and fuel conditions. Fifth, smart suppression equipment is being developed. Research is ongoing for equipment that can effectively perform suppression operations in dangerous areas, such as remotely controlled suppression robots and drones.

4️⃣ Related Terminology

🔎 Wildfire Suppression Teams

• Wildfire suppression teams are specialized personnel deployed to wildfire sites to perform firefighting operations.
• Wildfire suppression teams are organizations composed of specialized personnel who are deployed to wildfire sites to perform firefighting operations. These teams are broadly categorized into professional wildfire suppression teams and regional wildfire suppression teams. Professional wildfire suppression teams are permanent organizations operated by the Korea Forest Service and regional forest services, traveling nationwide during high-risk periods to conduct wildfire suppression activities. Regional wildfire suppression teams are operated by local governments and are responsible for wildfire suppression in their respective areas. Wildfire suppression team members receive specialized training not only in basic physical fitness and forest knowledge but also in firefighting equipment usage, safety rules, and first aid. Their main duties include on-site wildfire suppression, firebreak construction, mop-up operations, and wildfire surveillance. During suppression operations, they use protective equipment such as safety helmets, fire-resistant clothing, and safety shoes, as well as suppression equipment like fire swatters and backpack pumps. Recently, strengthening the capabilities of professional wildfire suppression teams and modernizing equipment are being continuously pursued to respond to larger and more complex wildfires.

🔎 Wildfire Danger Index

• The wildfire danger index is an indicator that quantifies wildfire occurrence risk based on weather conditions and forest status.
• The wildfire danger index is an indicator that quantifies the possibility of wildfire occurrence and spread risk by comprehensively analyzing weather conditions and forest status. This index is calculated and published daily by the Korea Forest Service and the Korea Meteorological Administration. The wildfire danger index is calculated considering various factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and leaf litter amount, and is generally classified into five levels (very low, low, moderate, high, very high). When the wildfire danger index is 'high' or above, forest authorities strengthen wildfire surveillance and pre-position suppression personnel to enhance preparedness. The general public is provided with behavioral guidelines such as refraining from entering forests and prohibiting fire usage when the wildfire danger index is high. Recently, services have been improved to provide more detailed wildfire danger indices by region and time period, and to allow real-time checking through smartphone apps or SNS. The wildfire danger index is an important tool for preventive wildfire management, enabling effective resource allocation and rapid response.

🔎 Firebreak

• A firebreak is a barrier or boundary created to stop the spread of wildfires.
• A firebreak is a barrier or boundary intentionally created to stop the spread of wildfires. It is an important tactical means to prevent fire spread during wildfire suppression. Firebreaks are constructed in two main ways. First, mechanical firebreaks are strip-shaped spaces created by removing combustible materials (trees, shrubs, fallen leaves, etc.) in forests using heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, or manual labor. Second, chemical firebreaks are areas where the combustibility of materials is reduced by spraying fire retardants or water. The location of firebreaks is strategically determined considering the direction of wildfire progression, terrain, fuel conditions, and weather conditions. Generally, utilizing natural barriers such as ridges, valleys, and roads is effective. The width of firebreaks varies depending on the intensity and height of the wildfire, and wider firebreaks are needed for large-scale wildfires where crown fires are expected. While constructing firebreaks is dangerous and difficult work, when successfully established, they can effectively block wildfire spread and minimize damage.

5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How should I report a wildfire when I discover one?

A: It's important to report promptly when you discover a wildfire. The best method is to call 119. When reporting, please provide the following information as detailed as possible. First, provide the exact location of the wildfire. It's helpful to mention the mountain name, nearby village or road name, and major landmarks. If possible, use your smartphone's location information feature. Second, describe the scale and condition of the wildfire. Information about flame size, amount of smoke, and spread speed helps determine the response scale. Third, inform about current wind direction and speed. The direction in which the wind is blowing is important information for predicting wildfire spread. Fourth, let them know if there are people or buildings in danger nearby. This is important for determining if rescue operations are needed. Besides 119, you can also report to the Korea Forest Service Wildfire Report line (042-481-4119), nearby forest offices, or town/village offices. You can also report wildfires through smartphone apps such as 'National Disaster Safety Portal' or 'Korea Forest Service' app. Since early suppression is very important for wildfires, it's good to report immediately even for small fires.

Q: How should I evacuate safely during a wildfire?

A: To evacuate safely in a wildfire situation, follow these guidelines. First, determine the direction of wildfire progression. Wildfires typically spread rapidly upward along the wind direction and slopes. Therefore, it's safest to evacuate in the opposite direction of the wind and, if possible, downhill. Second, choose a safe escape route. It's good to evacuate through areas with little fuel such as wide roads, valleys, rocky areas, or near water. Don't run into flames, always evacuate to areas without fire. Third, prepare for smoke. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet towel or cloth, and move in as low a position as possible. Since smoke rises, there's a higher possibility of clearer air near the ground. Fourth, know what to do if trapped. If trapped by fire, move to an already burned area (black area). These areas are less likely to burn again as fuel has already been consumed. Fifth, stay in a safe place after evacuation. Remain at designated shelters or confirmed safe places, and don't return to dangerous areas until authorities provide guidance. Sixth, pay attention to disaster information. Check the latest situation and evacuation information through radio, TV, emergency text messages, and official SNS. Always remember that life safety is the top priority. Safety evacuation should be considered before property.

Q: What can I do in my daily life to prevent wildfires?

A: Here are ways to practice wildfire prevention in daily life. First, refrain from using fire when hiking. Minimize the use of fire sources such as lighters and matches, and avoid smoking in mountains. If you must cook, only do so in designated areas and completely extinguish the fire before leaving. Second, refrain from burning activities in rural areas. Burning field ridges, agricultural by-products, and garbage are major causes of wildfires. Especially during wildfire prevention periods (February-May, November-December), absolutely avoid outdoor burning, and if necessary, use village communal burning or local government collection services. Third, practice fire safety in areas adjacent to forests. Take special care with fire management in facilities near forests such as houses, restaurants, and factories, and refrain from activities using fire such as lawn burning, barbecues, and fireworks. Fourth, pay attention to car management. Don't throw cigarette butts out the window when driving in forest areas, and don't park on roadsides to prevent sparks from catalytic converters igniting dry grass. Fifth, pay attention to wildfire risk information. Check the wildfire danger index provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Korea Forest Service, and refrain from hiking or outdoor activities on high-risk days. Sixth, participate in wildfire prevention education and campaigns. Actively participate in wildfire prevention education and campaigns conducted by schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness of wildfire prevention.

Q: How are wildfire-damaged areas restored?

A: Restoration of wildfire-damaged areas proceeds through systematic stages. First, damage assessment is conducted. After wildfire suppression, the damaged area, degree of damage, and soil condition are surveyed to use as basic data for the restoration plan. Second, emergency restoration work is carried out. To prevent secondary damage, erosion control dams and soil erosion prevention nets are installed to prevent landslides or soil erosion. It's important to complete these works before the rainy season. Third, afforestation plans are established. Appropriate tree species are selected and planting methods and timing are determined considering soil conditions, climate, and topography. Fourth, tree planting is carried out. Full-scale afforestation work typically takes place in the spring following the wildfire. Trees suitable for local characteristics such as pine trees and oak species are planted. Fifth, post-management continues. Management activities such as weeding, vine removal, and pest control are continued for 5-10 years to ensure the planted trees grow well. Wildfire damage restoration is not completed in a short period but is a long-term process. It may take decades for a forest to fully recover to its pre-wildfire state. Recently, in addition to traditional restoration methods, ecological restoration techniques utilizing the natural recovery capacity of ecosystems are also being applied. Additionally, 'citizen participation restoration' involving local residents, volunteers, and businesses is expanding.