Pine trees burn 2.4 times longer than broadleaf trees… Need for a ‘shift in afforestation policy’
“Fire-resistant forests should be created”…”Thinning around important buildings”
On the fourth day of the fire in Uiseong, the forest turned into ruins. As the fire spread toward Andong, concerns were raised about the impact of afforestation policies contributing to forest fires in Gyeongbuk. In particular, the northern part of Gyeongbuk has the largest area of pine forests in the country, which are susceptible to fires. Experts suggest a need for a transition in tree species due to the high proportion of pine forests in the area.
According to the Korea Forest Service’s Forestry Statistical Yearbook, the area of pine (including red pine) forests in Gyeongbuk was 457,902 hectares as of 2020, significantly larger than in Gangwon and Gyeongnam, making it the largest in the nation. Pine forests accounted for about 35% of forested areas in Gyeongbuk, the highest rate nationally.
Pine resin contains over 20% of essential oils like terpene, making it highly flammable and long-burning. Research from the National Institute of Forest Science indicates that pine trees burn 1.4 times hotter and 2.4 times longer than broadleaf trees, making them the most vulnerable species to wildfires. Additionally, pine trees retain their leaves in winter, facilitating crown fires that can lead to spot fires, where embers are carried dozens or hundreds of meters away.
In areas like Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, where pine forests are abundant, there are calls for the creation of fire-resistant woodland buffers dominated by broadleaf trees during disaster recovery efforts. Lee Byung-doo, Director of Disaster and Environment at the National Institute of Forest Science, stated that while pines are well-adapted to the domestic environment, they have the drawback of being highly flammable, recommending thinning only around houses or critical infrastructure, rather than a complete removal.