As the forest fires in the Yeongnam region spread, firefighters have been engaged in a daily battle, and a photo of a meager meal for firefighters has sparked sadness.
On the 25th, netizen A posted a photo of a firefighter's dinner taken at the forest fire extinguishing site on social media. The photo shows two disposable bowls placed on the floor, containing a little rice, seaweed soup, and kimchi.
Regarding this, A noted, "This is the dinner of a firefighter who has been extinguishing fires from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m." and said, "It may not be a feast, but can't we at least provide something like a regular meal? I hope the treatment of firefighters, as well as those who work hard for the country and its people, improves."
Netizens who saw this reacted with comments such as, "Even prisoners would eat better than that," and "Famous celebrities have been donating continuously; is support for the scene not working well?"
A netizen, who stated they are involved in volunteer firefighting activities, conveyed, "It may look insufficient, but in some ways, it could be the best we can do," adding, "Fires can start suddenly, and considering the characteristics of rural and mountainous areas, it's hard to prepare lunch boxes with several side dishes at a moment's notice, so we do what we can prepare quickly in that situation. Thankfully, if the mothers of that village help out at the community center, we can provide some noodles or something. If that is not possible, we deliver cup noodles, water, or coffee. It would be nice if they could have a hearty meal, but such treatment isn't deliberate."
According to the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, as of 5 a.m. on the 27th, medium- to large-scale forest fires are ongoing in 10 locations, including Sancheong, Hadong, Uiseong, Andong, Yeongyang, Cheongsong, Ulju Onyang, Gimhae, Okcheon, and Ulju Eonyang. The fire extinguishing rates are 77% for Sancheong and Hadong, 54% for Uiseong, 52% for Andong, 10% for Yeongdeok, 18% for Yeongyang, 77% for Cheongsong, and 76% for Onyang. Fires in Gimhae, Okcheon, and Eonyang have been extinguished.
As of 6 a.m. that day, casualties from the forest fire situation total 65, including 28 deaths, 9 serious injuries, and 28 minor injuries.