Anseong City Strengthens Enforcement Against Illegal Burning Near Forests Ahead of Lunar New Year Holiday

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] As the risk of large-scale forest fires increases in spring, Anseong City has launched strong enforcement against illegal burning in forest-adjacent areas during the Lunar New Year holiday period, applying a zero-tolerance policy.

The city has designated February 9 to February 18 as a "special enforcement period against illegal burning in forest-adjacent areas in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday," and plans to impose both administrative fines and criminal penalties in accordance with forest-related laws and waste management laws when violations are detected.

With the Korea Forest Service issuing a national crisis alert for forest fire disasters at the "caution" level due to recent consecutive fires in the Gyeongju area, nationwide dry weather advisories, and high wind warnings, Anseong City is targeting burning of field and rice paddy ridges and agricultural byproducts as major enforcement subjects.

Enforcement is conducted based on relevant legal provisions prohibiting open fires in forest-adjacent areas and improper waste disposal. Violations can result in penalties including up to three years imprisonment or fines up to 30 million won, and administrative fines up to 1 million won.

The Anseong City Forest Protection Team, in addition to enforcement activities, is visiting community centers and senior centers to distribute forest fire prevention notices and promotional posters, while simultaneously conducting public guidance. Meanwhile, the city has designated January 20 to May 15 as the spring forest fire prevention period and is working to minimize forest fire damage through operation of a comprehensive forest fire prevention task force.

A city official stated, "Forest fire prevention has limitations with administrative efforts alone," and emphasized that "the interest and participation of each citizen will be a great force in preventing large-scale forest fires."

For inquiries regarding forest fires, contact the Anseong City Forest Protection Team at the Department of Forests and Greenery (☎ 031-678-2571~3 / Fax 031-678-2569).