A helicopter is extinguishing a wildfire. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
On June 20, 2023, Mr. A used a lighter to start fires at three locations near Gwaneumsa on Gwanaksan, causing wildfire damage to approximately 200 square meters and then fled. He was later arrested through nearby closed-circuit (CC) TV and sentenced to four years in prison for violating the Forest Protection Act. Mr. B set fire near Gwangryunsa on Dobongsan on the night of March 11 of the same year, also causing damage to about 200 square meters. He was likewise caught through CCTV, receiving a three-year prison sentence for violating the Forest Protection Act.
In future, a system using advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones will be established to monitor and extinguish wildfires along with CCTV. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th that it will operate a wildfire prevention headquarters from March 24 to May 15, the dry season and wildfire caution period, with AI and drones incorporated in advanced wildfire preparedness.
The city plans to establish an ‘intelligent wildfire prevention ICT platform’ to detect and interpret smoke and flames in real time in two locations, one each in the Gangbuk and Gangnam areas.
When a wildfire detection camera installed on transmission towers with a view of the mountain slopes detects a fire using AI, drones automatically deploy to transmit live footage of the scene.
Eco-friendly retardants will be pre-applied in areas with a high risk of wildfires, such as around hiking trails, to prevent fires during dry periods. A cooperative system with the Forest Service’s special wildfire disaster response units will be established for nighttime firefighting, and additional firefighting equipment, such as advanced drones and high-pressure water hoses, will be procured.
To raise awareness about wildfires, campaigns will be conducted on major hiking trails, and public service announcements with guidelines on wildfire prevention will be produced.
Additionally, for apprehending offenders, 43 unmanned surveillance cameras and 422 dash cams will be operated. Intentional arson is punishable by at least seven years in prison under the Forest Protection Act, while accidental fires can result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.