After a forest fire erupted in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, efforts to prevent a revival of the fire continued today through monitoring for backfires and cleaning up the remaining fire. The cause of the fire and damage investigations have begun to be conducted as well. A total of 125 damaged facilities have been tentatively counted, including 68 houses and 26 pensions. In addition, 15 people were injured including 3 people suffering from burns, and a man in his 80s was found dead at a pension. Gangwon-do Governor Kim Jin-tae visited the site of the forest fire and discussed damage management and restoration measures. As donations and compassion continue to pour in from all over the country to help those affected by the forest fire, Gangwon-do is preparing various support measures alongside daily inspection meetings until restoration of forest fire damage is completed. The report was delivered by Park Eun-ji from MBC News.
◀ Anchor ▶
After the forest fire that broke out in Gangneung, Gangwon-do yesterday was extinguished in 8 hours, monitoring the back fire and cleaning up the remaining fire continued today to prevent the fire from reviving once more.
The cause of the fire and damage investigations have also begun in earnest.
Reporter Park Eun-ji reports.
◀ Report ▶
The Gangneung forest fire was extinguished in 8 hours, but over 40 suspicious reports continued that smoke came out all night and embers seemed to be visible.
As the day dawned, the forest authorities put in one extinguishing helicopter to monitor the backlight, and mobilized a large number of manpower to clear up the remaining fire.
Investigations to determine the cause of the forest fire have also begun in earnest.
The forest authorities controlled the first ignition point today and held a joint identification with related agencies such as police and firefighting.
Previously, in the first investigation into the cause of the fire, it was estimated that the fire started when a tree fell in strong winds and a power line was cut.
So far, a total of 125 damaged facilities have been tentatively counted, including 68 houses and 26 pensions.
In addition, the damage area due to this wildfire was 379 ha, including 170 ha of forest, which was found to be the size of 530 soccer fields.
A man in his 80s was found dead at a pension, and it was investigated that 15 people were injured so far, including 3 people suffering from burns.
About 290 victims of 137 households who lost their homes are staying at the Gangneung Arena temporary shelter for two days.
Gangwon-do Governor Kim Jin-tae visited the site of the forest fire this morning and discussed damage management and restoration measures.
Amidst donations and compassion from all over the country to help forest fire-stricken areas, Gangwon-do decided to prepare various support measures, such as advance payment of disaster subsidies, and hold inspection meetings every day until restoration of forest fire damage is completed.
This is Park Eun-ji from MBC News.
The forest fire in Gangneung, Gangwon-do has been put out following eight hours of intense firefighting efforts. However, the work is not yet over as authorities continue to monitor the area for any possibility of the fire rekindling. Investigations into the cause of the fire have started, and the damage caused by this wildfire is extensive. It is heartening to see the country come together in support of those affected, and we hope that with the help of the government and donations from the public, the victims can quickly recover from this disaster. Thank you for following our coverage of this event.