Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Good time of the day, everybody, this is Munisa. Just recently, massive wildfires broke out in several areas of South Korea, causing the death of four. The largest blazes were in Euiseong County, Sancheong County, and Gimhae, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying forests, homes, and wildlife habitats. The extent of damage would make the fires collectively the third-largest in South Korea's history. Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the flames, making it one of the worst fire seasons in recent years. With that being said, let's look into what exactly wildfire is and why it happens. A wildfire, also called a forest fire, is an uncontrolled fire that spreads across vegetation, forests, or grasslands. Unlike controlled fires used in agriculture, wildfires burn quickly, spread rapidly, and are difficult to stop. These fires can range from small brush fires to massive infernos that last for days or even weeks. They destroy forests, release huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, and threaten human lives and wildlife. What Causes Wildfires? They can start from natural causes or human activities. Some wildfires start due to lightning strikes or extreme heat waves. However, it's mostly caused by people, the main triggers are usually: ✔ Unattended campfires, ✔ Discarded cigarette butts, ✔ Illegal burning of farm waste, ✔ Power lines and sparks from vehicles. Weather conditions also make fires worse. In Korea, wildfires are most common in spring and early summer because of low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds. Also, while the government is stepping up efforts to combat the fire as fast as possible, everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires. Here’s what you can do: ✔ Check fire warnings before hiking or camping. ✔ Never leave a campfire unattended - fully extinguish it before leaving. ✔ Dispose of cigarette butts properly - one spark can start a disaster ✔ Report any signs of smoke to authorities immediately. Wildfires are not unusual in South Korea, particularly in February, March, and April when conditions are driest. However, the danger and consequences of forest fires are never negligible. Sending prayers for the safety of everyone and every creature in the impacted areas, I will finish the podcast here. Stay safe, and stay informed.