The forest fire is believed to have started at 7:16 p.m. on April 4th, when a transformer exploded on a road from Sokcho, Gangwon Province to the Miciryeong section. It was an immense fire, as Step 3 of response was appointed, and national firefighters and equipment were dispatched to Gangwon Province. Because of the very strong wind, there was a difficulty in quenching the fire, so it moved to the downtown that caused a lot of damages.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters

of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security said that 401 houses were confirmed to have been burned by the forest fire that broke out on April 4. In addition, 530 hectares of forest land, 77 warehouses, 158 tourist sets, 925 livestock facilities, 34 agricultural facilities, 100 buildings, 68 public facilities, 241 agricultural machinery, and 15 vehicles were destroyed. No more casualties were reported, except one person who was killed and 11 people who were injured.

Many corporations and celebrities supported and donated to the people who were affected by this forest fire. Representatively, LG supported and gave a billion won for recovery of damage. Samsung also supported and gave two billion won. Celebrities such as IU, Lee Byung-hun, PSY, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Im Si-wan, Kwanghee, and many more supported for the damaged district and its people.

Above this, because of the dry weather, there were some other forest fires in this country, such as in Busan, Daegu, and Yeongcheon of North Gyeongsang Province.

Meanwhile, if a forest fire like this incident occurs, we must call 119 first, evacuate to the opposite direction of the wind and the position below the forest fire, stay in a place without fallen leaves and lie down, and evacuate to areas that have already been burned or an empty lot such as rice paddy field, farm, and school.

April 7th, 2019

by Kim Hyeon