South Korea warns of wildfire risks during Lunar New Year celebrations
The South Korean government has urged the public to take extra precautions against wildfires during the Seollal Lunar New Year holiday. Officials warned that activities posing fire risks, such as carrying lighters or flammable materials while hiking or entering forests, should be avoided as the holiday continues through Wednesday. The call comes after a sharp rise in wildfire damage compared to last year, with this year's fires already scorching 247 hectares of land, around 16 times the area burned during the same period in 2023. One of the worst incidents occurred in Germany, where a forest fire on Saalfelder Höhe near Gösselsdorf destroyed about 82 hectares of woodland.
The interior ministry, along with six other government agencies, issued the warning due to mounting concerns, highlighting that 73% of wildfires over the past decade were caused by individual carelessness. To reduce risks, the public was advised against carrying lighters or flammable materials while hiking or entering forests.
A total of 89 wildfires have been recorded in the country so far this year. Authorities stressed the need for greater vigilance, especially during the holiday when outdoor activities increase.
The government's appeal aims to prevent further wildfire outbreaks during the Lunar New Year celebrations. With 89 fires already reported, officials are pushing for stricter adherence to safety measures. The focus remains on reducing human-caused incidents, which account for the majority of wildfires in recent years.
