Agency braces for surge in hikers visiting graves, deploys round-the-clock emergency response
South Korea's forestry authority has activated a round-the-clock wildfire prevention emergency system ahead of the Chuseok holiday, when a surge in visitors heading to mountains for grave tending and ancestral rites is expected to coincide with dry, clear weather.
The Korea Forest Service said Wednesday it will carry out its "2026 Chuseok Holiday Wildfire Prevention Plan" from Sept. 19 through Sept. 27.
The agency will concentrate fire-watch personnel around major public cemeteries and hiking trails to strengthen guidance and enforcement against wildfire-risk behavior such as illegal burning and the handling of open flames. Firefighting facilities and suppression equipment will also be inspected in advance to ensure they are fully operational.
Aerial firefighting helicopters and ground suppression crews will be placed on standby for rapid deployment, with nearby resources to be mobilized immediately should a wildfire break out.
A 24-hour emergency response link will be maintained between the Central Forest Disaster Operations Center and regional wildfire situation rooms. The agency also plans to promote reporting of wildfires through the center or the "Smart Forest Disaster" mobile app, and will use emergency alert texts and disaster caption broadcasts to spread wildfire prevention guidelines.
Under the Forest Disaster Prevention Act, anyone who lights a fire or carries a flame into a forest or adjacent area faces a fine of up to 2 million won ($1,480); smoking or discarding cigarette butts carries a fine of up to 700,000 won; and possessing fire sources or flammable materials is subject to a fine of up to 300,000 won.
"Clear and dry conditions are expected throughout the Chuseok holiday, meaning even a small spark can trigger a wildfire — extra caution is essential," said Geum Si-hun, head of the Korea Forest Service's wildfire prevention division. "We urge everyone visiting the mountains for ancestral rites or grave tending to take special care not to light fires or carry any fire sources or flammable materials."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
