Gyeonggi Province Launches Mobile Crackdowns on Wildfire Prevention in 31 Cities and Counties
Suwon NewsPublished 2020.03.13 06:09
Focus enforcement from April 14 to May 19 on burning field ridges, agricultural waste disposal, and various household garbage incineration practicesSeven cities and counties including Hwaseong designated as 'special management areas for incineration-caused wildfires'Strict enforcement with fines for illegal incineration activities
[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hoon Reporter] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 13th that it will conduct mobile crackdowns on wildfire prevention targeting 31 cities and counties from the 14th through the 19th of next month, as spring approaches with high risks of large-scale wildfires.
This enforcement operation aims to prevent large-scale wildfires by cracking down on incineration activities and accidental fires caused by mountain visitors, which are cited as major causes of spring wildfires. Of the 172 wildfires in the province last year, 41 were caused by incineration activities, accounting for 24%.
To this end, nine enforcement teams will be formed to focus on cracking down on burning of field ridges, agricultural waste disposal, and various household garbage incineration activities in rural areas, major hiking trails, parks, and areas adjacent to forests.
In particular, seven cities and counties including Hwaseong, where many incineration-caused wildfires occur, will be designated as 'special management areas for incineration-caused wildfires' and subject to intensive crackdowns.
When illegal incineration activities are detected through this enforcement operation, fines will be imposed and strict law enforcement will be implemented, with plans to inform residents of the dangers of incineration activities.
Incineration activities within 100 meters of forests are strictly prohibited, and violators will be subject to fines of up to 500,000 won under the Forest Protection Act. In cases where wildfires occur due to negligence, offenders face imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to 30 million won.
Additionally, through the 'Creating Green Villages Without Incineration-Caused Wildfires' campaign, which has been promoted since 2014, the province will work to encourage residents' voluntary participation in wildfire prevention.
This year, 510 villages in the province, including Yangpyeong-gun's Yanggeun 1-ri, are participating in this campaign to eliminate incineration activities. The province plans to provide various benefits such as commendations to outstanding villages to encourage more villages to participate.
Lee Sung-gyu, Director of the Forest Division, stated, "Through this enforcement operation, the province will raise awareness of the dangers of illegal incineration activities and make every effort to prevent wildfires caused by incineration. Since the risk of wildfires is high in spring, we urge all residents to absolutely refrain from incineration activities."
© Suwon Ilbo. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
Loading comments…