🚨 Forest Fire Response System: Problems and Improvement Plans

Today Korean Social News | 2025.03.29

📌 Gyeongbuk Forest Fire Extinguished After 149 Hours... Need for Response System Transformation Emerges

💬 The forest fire that spread to five cities and counties in northeastern Gyeongbuk was extinguished yesterday at 5 PM, 149 hours after it broke out. Forest equivalent to 63,000 soccer fields or 156 times the size of Yeouido was destroyed. However, with no rain forecast for the next ten days, caution is needed regarding additional forest fires. Experts are pointing out that this forest fire serves as a catalyst for a major transformation in the forest fire response system.

Summary

• The forest fire response system is a national system for preventing forest fires and quickly extinguishing them when they occur.
• With the increasing risk of large-scale forest fires due to climate change, an efficient forest fire response system is becoming more important.
• Citizens can contribute to forest fire response by observing prevention rules and promptly reporting when they discover forest fires.

1️⃣ Definition

Forest fire response system refers to a comprehensive system operated by the national and local governments for forest fire prevention, early detection, rapid initial suppression, prevention of large-scale forest fire spread, and post-recovery. Simply put, it means all activities and systems to prevent forest fires before they occur, detect them quickly when they occur, extinguish them, and minimize damage.

This system operates based on cooperation between various agencies including the Korea Forest Service, National Fire Agency, local governments, military, and police, and includes personnel, equipment, systems, and regulations.

💡 Why is it important?

• With 63% of our country's land being forest, forest fires mean a loss of national assets.
• The risk of large-scale forest fires is increasing due to dry weather and strong winds caused by climate change.
• As houses and facilities adjacent to forests increase, the risk of casualties and property damage from forest fires is also growing.

2️⃣ Structure and Operation of the Forest Fire Response System

📕 Main Components of the Forest Fire Response System

• The Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters is the control tower for forest fire response. The Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters, established in the Korea Forest Service and local governments during high-risk seasons in spring (February-May) and fall (November-December), is the core organization for forest fire response. This organization operates 24 hours a day and oversees all forest fire-related tasks, including monitoring, reporting, initial response, firefighting command, and post-management. The Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters, headed by the Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service, manages nationwide forest fire situations, while Regional Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters, headed by city mayors and county governors, operate in each region. When a forest fire occurs, related agencies such as fire departments, police, military units, and forest associations cooperate and respond around this organization.

• Forest fire prevention and early detection systems are important. The first step in forest fire response is prevention and early detection. For forest fire prevention, the Korea Forest Service operates a Forest Fire Risk Forecast System that analyzes weather, terrain, vegetation, etc., to predict and announce forest fire risks. During forest fire caution periods, burning activities near forests are prohibited, and forest entry restriction zones are established to reduce the possibility of forest fires. For early detection of forest fires, human monitoring networks such as forest fire lookout posts, watchtowers, and forest fire watchers are used, along with advanced equipment such as CCTV, drones, and satellites. Recently, systems that automatically detect smoke or flames in CCTV footage using artificial intelligence (AI) technology are also being introduced.

📕 Forest Fire Suppression System and Response Stages

• When a forest fire occurs, the initial response and suppression system is activated. When a forest fire is detected, the Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters immediately dispatches an initial response team to the scene. The initial response team consists of forest fire specialists, forest officials, and firefighters, who attempt initial suppression using portable firefighting equipment. If the fire grows larger, helicopters are deployed to support aerial firefighting, and additional personnel and equipment from military units and police are mobilized as needed. Forest fire suppression command is basically handled by the Korea Forest Service, but in case of spread to residential areas or facilities, they respond in cooperation with the National Fire Agency. In case of development into a large-scale forest fire, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is activated for a government-wide response.

• Response stages are categorized according to the scale and risk of the forest fire. Forest fire response proceeds in several stages depending on its scale and risk. First, the attention stage strengthens prevention activities and monitoring during periods with high possibility of forest fires. Second, the caution stage is when an actual forest fire occurs but is in its initial stage, with response centered on the regional forest fire headquarters. Third, the alert stage is when the forest fire is spreading and might cross city or county boundaries, initiating province-level response. Fourth, the severe stage is when it develops into a large-scale forest fire requiring national response, activating the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and deploying government-wide resources. Through this staged approach, efficient response according to the scale and risk of the forest fire becomes possible.

Main Measures by Forest Fire Response Stage

1. Attention Stage: Forest fire risk forecast announcement, strengthened prevention promotion, deployment of forest fire watchers
2. Caution Stage: Dispatch of initial response teams, standby of helicopters, activation of forest fire situation room
3. Alert Stage: Activation of provincial forest fire headquarters, request for assistance from adjacent areas, deployment of helicopters
4. Severe Stage: Activation of Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, mobilization of military troops, evacuation of civilians
5. Recovery Stage: Clearing embers, damage assessment, establishment and implementation of recovery plans

3️⃣ Problems and Improvement Directions of the Forest Fire Response System

✅ Problems with the Current Forest Fire Response System

• There is confusion due to the dispersion of forest fire suppression responsibilities and authority. In the current forest fire response system in Korea, multiple agencies are involved, dispersing responsibilities and authority, which can make efficient response difficult during large-scale forest fires. First, while the Korea Forest Service mainly handles forest fires within forests and the National Fire Agency handles fires in urban areas, confusion in the command system can occur when forest fires spread to urban areas. Second, when large-scale forest fires occur, multiple agencies including the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Korea Forest Service, National Fire Agency, and local governments are involved, causing delays in decision-making and resource allocation. Third, there are significant differences in forest fire response capabilities between local governments, resulting in varying scales of forest fire damage depending on the region. These problems create difficulties in providing prompt and integrated forest fire response, raising the need for establishing an efficient command system.

• There are issues of shortage and aging of personnel and equipment. The shortage of personnel and equipment necessary for forest fire response has been a long-standing issue. First, the number of forest fire specialists, who are professional personnel for fire suppression, is insufficient and aging, making prompt response to forest fires difficult. Second, the number of forest fire suppression helicopters is insufficient compared to the forest area, and some helicopters are aging, reducing efficiency. Third, night forest fire suppression capabilities are limited. Helicopter suppression is difficult at night, and ground suppression personnel and equipment are also operated in a limited manner. Fourth, during spring when forest fires are concentrated, fires can occur simultaneously across the country, creating difficulties in resource allocation. These constraints in personnel and equipment can make it difficult to extinguish fires in their initial stages before they develop into large-scale forest fires, potentially leading to greater damage.

✅ Improvement Directions and New Approaches for the Forest Fire Response System

• An integrated command system and strengthened cooperation are needed. To enhance the efficiency of the forest fire response system, an integrated command system and strengthened inter-agency cooperation are important. First, a clear command system for forest fire suppression needs to be established. During large-scale forest fires, it should be clarified who has the final decision-making authority and the authority to allocate resources. Second, strengthening cooperation between the Korea Forest Service and the National Fire Agency is important. The two agencies should train together, share equipment and information, and develop joint response manuals to strengthen the cooperation system. Third, a regional customized forest fire response system should be established, centered on areas with high forest fire risk. Specialized response strategies considering the region's terrain, vegetation, and weather conditions are needed. Fourth, cooperation with private resources should also be strengthened. Participation of local residents, volunteers, and private companies in forest fire prevention and response should be increased.

• Introduction of advanced technology and scientific approaches is needed. To enhance the efficiency of forest fire response, it is necessary to actively introduce advanced technology and scientific approaches. First, forest fire prediction and monitoring systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data should be strengthened. Forest fire risks can be predicted and efficient resource deployment planned by analyzing weather data, terrain information, vegetation status, etc. Second, monitoring and suppression capabilities using drones and satellites should be improved. Drones are effective for monitoring and initial suppression of forest fires in dangerous areas, and satellites are useful for monitoring wide areas. Third, night forest fire suppression capabilities should be strengthened. A 24-hour forest fire response system should be established by introducing helicopters capable of night flying and advanced night vision equipment. Fourth, preventive forest management should be strengthened. The risk of forest fire spread can be reduced through preventive measures such as identifying areas vulnerable to forest fires and reducing fuel load (fallen leaves, twigs, etc.) in forests.

✅ Citizens' Roles and Participation Methods

• Citizens' forest fire prevention awareness and participation are important. For effective forest fire response, not only the government's efforts but also active participation and cooperation from citizens are essential. First, forest fire prevention rules should be strictly observed. Most forest fires are caused by human carelessness, so basic rules such as prohibition of carrying flammable materials when entering mountains, no littering of cigarette butts, and no burning of trash should be followed. Second, forest fires should be immediately reported when discovered. It is important to promptly report via 119, the Korea Forest Service's forest fire reporting phone (042-481-4119), or smartphone apps. Third, it is necessary to raise awareness by participating in forest fire prevention education and campaigns. Education and campaigns through various channels such as schools, local communities, and online help raise awareness of forest fire prevention.

• Establishment of community-based forest fire response systems is needed. Since forest fires have different occurrence patterns and spread patterns depending on regional characteristics, community-based customized response systems can be effective. First, organizing forest fire monitoring teams and autonomous disaster prevention teams with local residents can strengthen prevention and initial response activities tailored to regional characteristics. Second, regular evacuation drills and safety education for residents adjacent to forests can enhance emergency response capabilities. Third, participation of local businesses and organizations can secure resources necessary for forest fire prevention and recovery, and strengthen community capacity. Fourth, regional forest fire risk maps and evacuation plans should be established and shared so that residents can evacuate promptly in case of forest fires. These community-based approaches can complement the responses of the central and local governments and contribute to minimizing damage from forest fires.

4️⃣ Related Terminology

🔎 Forest Fire Risk Forecast System

• The Forest Fire Risk Forecast System is a system that predicts the possibility of forest fires.
• The Forest Fire Risk Forecast System is a system that analyzes data such as weather conditions, terrain, and vegetation to predict and announce the possibility of forest fire occurrence and spread risk. This system comprehensively considers and indexes weather elements such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, regional forest characteristics, and past forest fire occurrence patterns. The forest fire risk index is divided into 5 levels: 'low', 'moderate', 'high', 'very high', and 'extreme', and is updated daily based on forecast data from the Korea Meteorological Administration. This information is provided to the public through the Korea Forest Service website, mobile apps, and media outlets, and forest fire caution alerts may be issued for high-risk areas. Forest fire forecasts are used for deploying monitoring personnel and equipment in forest management agencies, determining forest entry restrictions, and pre-positioning forest fire suppression resources, and serve as reference materials for the general public when planning hiking or outdoor activities. This system is an important tool for forest fire prevention and initial response, and efforts continue to enhance prediction accuracy through continuous improvement.

🔎 Forest Fire Specialist Prevention and Suppression Team

• The Forest Fire Specialist Prevention and Suppression Team is specialized personnel dedicated to forest fire prevention and suppression.
• The Forest Fire Specialist Prevention and Suppression Team is specialized personnel operated by the Korea Forest Service and local governments for forest fire prevention and suppression, focusing activities during forest fire caution periods (February-May, November-December). They are responsible for forest fire monitoring, initial suppression, and prevention activities, and perform fire suppression operations on the front lines when forest fires occur. Team members are selected through physical verification, safety education, and fire suppression technology training, and operate in groups of 10-20 people. They are mainly stationed in areas with high risk of forest fires, patrolling and attempting initial suppression using portable firefighting equipment when forest fires are discovered in mountainous areas difficult for fire trucks to access. They also conduct prevention campaigns and guidance activities at mountain trail entrances and villages around forests. While the Forest Fire Specialist Prevention and Suppression Team is key personnel for forest fire response, they currently face problems of personnel shortage and aging, leaving the task of expanding personnel with expertise and capacity.

🔎 Forest Fire Situation Room

• The Forest Fire Situation Room is a central facility that collects forest fire information and coordinates response.
• The Forest Fire Situation Room is a central agency for forest fire monitoring and response that operates 24 hours a day during forest fire caution periods. It is established in the Korea Forest Service and each local government, overseeing tasks such as collecting forest fire monitoring information, receiving reports, deploying firefighting resources, and requesting cooperation from related agencies. The Forest Fire Situation Room analyzes information collected in real-time through various monitoring means such as CCTV, lookout posts, drones, and satellites, and supports decision-making for prompt initial response in case of forest fires. It also monitors weather information and forest fire risk forecasts to strengthen prevention activities, and serves as a command center that coordinates the deployment of firefighting helicopters and personnel when forest fires occur. Recently, it is evolving into a smart forest fire situation room incorporating IT technology, enhancing response efficiency through advanced technologies such as GIS-based forest fire situation monitoring systems, real-time field video transmission systems, and forest fire spread prediction models. The Forest Fire Situation Room serves as the neural network of the forest fire response system, playing an important role in protecting the lives and property of citizens, as well as valuable forest resources, from forest fires.

5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How should citizens behave when a forest fire occurs?

A: When you discover a forest fire or are near a forest fire area, act as follows. First, report immediately to 119 if you discover a forest fire. It is important to provide as accurate location (mountain name, nearby village or road name, etc.) and situation as possible. Second, evacuate promptly from the forest fire scene. Forest fires can spread quickly with the wind, so it is safe to evacuate in the opposite direction of the wind. Third, if a forest fire occurs near a residential area, follow evacuation instructions immediately, gather valuables and emergency supplies, and move to the designated shelter. Fourth, do not interfere with forest fire suppression activities. Approaching for sightseeing or taking photos is not only dangerous but can also interfere with suppression activities. Fifth, refrain from visiting the area for a while even after the forest fire suppression is completed. There may be remaining embers or risk of collapse. Forest fires can spread faster than expected, so you should act with safety as the top priority.

Q: What actions can be practiced in daily life to prevent forest fires?

A: Actions that can be practiced in daily life to prevent forest fires are as follows. First, do not bring flammable materials (lighters, matches, etc.) when hiking, and refrain from smoking. If you must smoke, completely extinguish it and carry it down in a portable ashtray. Second, do not burn trash near forests. Agricultural by-products or household waste should be processed at designated locations. Third, do not hike outside designated trails. Using designated trails makes evacuation easier in case of forest fires and reduces forest damage. Fourth, cook only in designated places when camping or bivouacking, and completely extinguish fire when leaving. Fifth, refrain from hiking in dry weather when forest fire risk is high, and avoid visiting forest entry restriction zones during forest fire caution periods. Sixth, do not park your car inside or near forests where dry grass is present. Forest fires can occur due to heat generated by catalytic converters. These small practices combined can prevent major forest fires.

Q: What kinds of equipment and technologies are used for forest fire suppression?

A: Various equipment and technologies are used for forest fire suppression. First, aerial suppression equipment, with forest fire suppression helicopters being representative. Helicopters use water containers (Bambi buckets) filled with water or fire extinguishing agents to deliver water accurately to the fire area. Large helicopters can carry more than 1,000 liters of water at once. Second, ground suppression equipment includes backpack pumps, power pumps, fire beaters, and fire extinguishers. Backpack pumps are equipment that carry about 20 liters of water on the back and spray water with a manual pump, and fire beaters are tools that beat out embers. Third, fireline construction equipment includes heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators. These create firebreaks by removing trees and grass that act as fuel to prevent forest fire spread. Fourth, there are special fire extinguishing agents used with water for suppression. These agents increase the viscosity of water to slow evaporation and enhance the suppression effect. Fifth, advanced technologies include reconnaissance and small-scale suppression using drones, detection of remaining embers using thermal imaging cameras, and tracking of firefighting personnel locations using GPS. Efficient forest fire suppression is achieved through a combination of these various equipment and technologies.

Q: How is damage recovery from forest fires carried out?

A: Forest fire damage recovery is systematically carried out in several stages. First, immediately after forest fire suppression, cleanup of embers and monitoring for remaining fire occurs. Even if it seems completely extinguished, embers may remain underground, requiring monitoring for several days. Second, damage assessment is conducted. The Korea Forest Service and local governments precisely investigate the damaged area, degree of tree damage, soil condition, etc., to use as basic data for recovery planning. Third, emergency recovery work is carried out. Erosion control facilities are installed in areas at risk of landslides, and emergency measures are taken to prevent soil runoff in case of rain. Fourth, mid to long-term recovery plans are established. Recovery methods, species selection, and budget allocation are determined considering the degree of damage and regional characteristics. Fifth, full-scale recovery projects are implemented. Natural regeneration methods utilizing natural recovery power and artificial afforestation are combined, with various efforts made for ecosystem restoration. Sixth, continuous monitoring and management are conducted. The recovery status is regularly checked, and additional measures are taken if necessary. Forest fire damage recovery does not occur in a short period, and it may take decades for complete ecosystem recovery.