Suwon to Implement Comprehensive Fall Wildfire Prevention Measures Through Next Month's 15th

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Metropolitan City announced on the 2nd that it will implement the "2023 Fall Wildfire Prevention Comprehensive Measures" through the 15th of next month to prevent large-scale fall wildfires and establish a rapid initial response system.

To this end, the city will first establish and operate "wildfire prevention headquarters" at five locations including the Suwon City Park and Greenery Project Office and park and greenery divisions at four district offices. The wildfire prevention headquarters will have 191 personnel on duty including 115 Suwon city civil servants and 76 wildfire workers, with plans to conduct wildfire surveillance, carry out promotional activities for wildfire prevention, and implement wildfire suppression.

Wildfire workers will patrol areas with high wildfire occurrence potential, such as major hiking trails, from 9 a.m. until sunset to inspect on-site conditions. On weekends and holidays, inspections will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city will also utilize 22 wildfire surveillance cameras, 1 leased wildfire suppression helicopter, 32 wildfire observation towers and posts, 15 wildfire suppression and cargo vehicles, and 66 wildfire report terminals (GPS) to thoroughly monitor wildfires and provide rapid initial response.

When a wildfire is detected, the city plans to quickly conduct early suppression via helicopter. Even when there are no wildfires, the city plans to conduct wildfire prevention guidance broadcasting and patrol activities from forest areas via helicopter 2-3 times per week. The city has also established a mutual cooperation system with neighboring local governments for wildfire suppression helicopter operations.

In addition, the city will conduct "capacity enhancement training for wildfire workers and responsible civil servants (wildfire prevention education and training)" led by professional instructors.

A city official stated, "Weather conditions for fall 2023 are expected to be similar to average levels," and added, "Since wildfires frequently occur due to illegal activities such as careless fires by hikers, burning field ridges, and burning garbage—the primary causes of wildfires—the city plans to make every effort to prevent wildfires."