Investigation Launches at Ignition Point of Uiseong Wildfires in South Korea
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Synopsis
An investigation has begun into the ignition point of South Korea's worst wildfires in history, which occurred in North Gyeongsang, resulting in 26 fatalities and extensive property damage. The suspect is accused of accidentally igniting the fire while tending to a gravesite.
Key Takeaways
- Joint investigation by police and firefighters.
- Fire originated from a grave site in North Gyeongsang.
- 26 lives lost and 4,000 structures destroyed.
- Suspect denies allegations of accidental ignition.
- Wildfires fully contained as of March 30.
Seoul, March 31 (NationPress) Authorities in South Korea, including police and firefighters, commenced their initial collaborative investigation on-site at the location of the ignition point for the most devastating wildfires in the country’s history, which scorched extensive forested areas in the southeastern region of North Gyeongsang last week.
The forest fire was reportedly ignited accidentally by a 56-year-old individual on a hill in the Anpyeong district of Uiseong county, situated approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on March 22.
It swiftly spread to Andong and three neighboring counties due to strong winds and arid conditions, persisting for almost a week, resulting in 26 fatalities and the destruction of around 4,000 structures.
The police have charged the man without detention as of last Friday, suspecting that he unintentionally started the fire while attending to his grandparents' gravesite. Some news outlets reported that he attempted to burn tree branches over the grave using a cigarette lighter.
The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency reported that the first on-site investigation took place at the gravesite and the adjacent hill, alongside the National Forensic Service, the National Institute of Forest Science, and firefighting officials, as noted by Yonhap news agency.
Utilizing a drone and various investigative techniques, they aimed to verify the fire's cause and the direction in which it spread due to the wind. They also examined the vicinity around the ignition point for any charred materials that might have initiated the forest fire.
On Saturday, police completed a preliminary field investigation at the gravesite, lasting about two hours, during which they collected a lighter from the surrounding area.
The suspect has refuted the allegations against him, according to police representatives, who added that he will be summoned for questioning once all preliminary inquiries are finalized.
On March 30, the major wildfires that devastated both North and South Gyeongsang provinces for over a week have been completely contained.
Ko Ki-dong, the acting Interior Minister of South Korea, made this announcement during a session of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), confirming that the principal blaze has been fully extinguished.
