A (56) is facing charges related to the ‘Gyeongbuk forest fire’ that resulted in 26 deaths and has been booked by the police without detention.
On the 30th, the Gyeongbuk Police Agency's Criminal Investigation Unit stated that A was booked on charges of violating the Forest Protection Act and that an investigation was underway.
A is suspected of causing a fire in the area while tidying up the grave of his grandparents in Gyeongbuk Uiseong-gun Anpyeong-myeon Goe-san-ri around 11:24 a.m. on the 22nd. He is reported to have denied the allegations.
The police scientific investigation unit took preservation measures at the scene the previous day (29th). The police plan to conduct a joint investigation next week in coordination with the National Institute of Forest Science, the National Forensic Service, and fire authorities.
At the time of the initial ignition, A's daughter reported to the 119 emergency center, saying, “There is a fire, and the gravesite of my great-grandfather is burning,” and added, “We came with my dad.”
The police found that A's wife was also present at the scene.
The daughter, while being questioned by the chief of the responding Anpyeong police station, stated, “I was trying to break the tree on the tomb, and when that didn't work, I tried to burn it with a lighter, and a spark flew in the wind, starting the forest fire.”
A police official noted, “We will call the suspect after completing all preliminary fact investigations.”
The forest fire spread to Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok in the northeastern area of Gyeongbuk, fueled by strong winds. Twenty-six people, including helicopter pilots, fire watch personnel, and residents involved in extinguishing the fire, lost their lives. It is estimated that cultural heritage sites like the National Treasure Gounsa and over 4,000 dwellings, houses, and factories have been burned.