Choi Sang-mok, acting president and deputy prime minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, said on the 23rd that he would provide 50 million won in emergency disaster relief funds for the evacuees and disaster victims affected by the wildfire in Sancheong, Gyeongnam.
Choi noted during the third meeting of the Central Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the Government Seoul Building that he extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased who lost their lives during the wildfire response process.
Choi said, "We have urgently provided 50 million won in disaster relief funds for the evacuees and disaster victims in Sancheong, Gyeongnam," adding, "We also plan to provide emergency support from the special disaster grant to the three provinces where the disaster has been declared."
According to the government, approximately 6,328.5 hectares of forest have been destroyed due to the wildfire, with 1,514 people temporarily evacuated and 39 dwellings completely burned. A total of 105 helicopters and 9,182 personnel from the Korea Forest Service, Ministry of National Defense, Korea National Fire Agency, and Korean National Police Agency have been deployed for firefighting.
The government has declared a disaster in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam, where the major wildfires occurred, and has designated Sancheong, Gyeongnam, as a special disaster area due to the extent of the damage.
Choi said, "The Korea Forest Service, as the main agency for wildfire response, must actively work to ensure that integrated command at the scene is effectively exercised at each stage of the wildfire response, allowing firefighting helicopters and personnel to be deployed more efficiently."
He emphasized, "While extinguishing the wildfire is important, above all, we must do our best to prevent any loss of life during the process," and requested special attention to ensuring the safety of personnel responsible for firefighting in the air or on the ground.
Choi also directed local governments nationwide to thoroughly establish evacuation plans for vulnerable facilities, such as nursing homes and facilities for individuals with disabilities, located in areas at risk of wildfires.
He also mentioned that wildfire prevention and thorough preparations are critical. Starting from the afternoon, the westerly winds are expected to strengthen, and the maximum wind speed in the Sancheong and Uiseong areas is predicted to reach 15 meters per second on the 24th, raising the likelihood that wildfires will spread rapidly if they occur.
Choi stated, "The air along the east coast and the inland area of Gyeongsang is dry this week, and there is no forecast for rain," stressing that wildfire prevention and thorough preparations are extremely important.
He added, "Local governments nationwide must mobilize all administrative resources, such as wildfire watchers, to strengthen patrols and guidance-enforcement in hazardous areas," and urged, "Citizens should absolutely refrain from activities like carrying fire during mountain trips or tomb visits and burning agricultural byproducts."