Namyangju City Implements Comprehensive Measures for Forest Fire Prevention and Public Safety

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Namyangju City has launched an all-out response to prevent forest fires and secure public safety in relation to recent simultaneous occurrences of large-scale forest fires across the nation.

Mayor Ju Kwang-deuk presided over a "Forest Fire Emergency Response Meeting" on the 26th as the national crisis alert level for forest fire disasters was elevated to the "critical" stage, and discussed inter-agency coordination systems and practical response measures.

Mayor Ju ordered that "in case of emergency, we must ensure citizens can quickly recognize forest fire situations and evacuate safely by sending rapid disaster safety text messages, designating forest fire-vulnerable areas, securing evacuation routes, and preparing evacuation sites in advance."

He also emphasized that "we will strengthen forest fire prevention and response activities including △surveillance activities △refraining from entering forests △cracking down on burning practices △village broadcasts through active cooperation with related organizations such as fire departments, police stations, agricultural and livestock cooperatives within the city, and community leaders and representatives."

Previously, the city experienced four forest fires in the Wabu, Hopyeong, Jinjup, and Sudong areas from January to March, and is responding preemptively by blocking forest fire risk factors in advance.

Additionally, starting from the 29th, the city plans to deploy one-fourth of its municipal employees to forest fire-vulnerable areas in 16 townships and neighborhoods on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Meanwhile, those who deliberately cause forest fires may face imprisonment of seven years or more according to relevant laws, and those who cause forest fires through negligence may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of no more than 15 million won.

Mayor Ju Kwang-deuk stated, "Please respond swiftly and systematically with top priority given to the safety of firefighters and civil servants engaged in fire suppression," and added, "Under current weather conditions, a single moment of negligence can lead to major forest fires, so please strictly adhere to forest fire prevention guidelines such as refraining from entering forests and grave visits, avoiding burning field edges adjacent to forests, and prohibiting incineration of garbage and agricultural by-products."