The government on Monday warned that a forecast of strong wind early this week could increase the risk of another massive wildfire outbreak in eastern coastal regions.
Lee Han-kyung, deputy chief of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, issued the warnings, as authorities contained the nation's worst-ever wildfires late last month.
"We expect very speedy winds similar to the ones seen during the wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province early this week," Lee said.
"Please abide by rules to prevent wildfires, such as taking extra caution with even a small spark, and refraining from possessing fire-related gear or illegal incineration," Lee said.
According to the interior ministry, strong winds of up to 20 meters per second are expected to hit the coastal areas from 6 p.m. until Tuesday noon, and over 25 mps of wind in the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province.
In response, the Korea Forest Service and the National Fire Agency will deploy firefighting forces and helicopters in Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province's east coast areas. (Yonhap)
