South Korean Authorities to Question Individual Linked to Devastating Wildfires
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Synopsis
Authorities in South Korea are set to question a man in his 50s suspected of igniting extensive wildfires in the southeastern region, which have resulted in numerous casualties and evacuations.
Key Takeaways
- Authorities preparing to question a suspect linked to wildfires.
- Wildfires originated during an ancestral ritual in Uiseong County.
- Fatalities and injuries reported, with thousands evacuated.
- Accidental wildfire ignition can lead to severe penalties.
- Collaborative investigations with police are underway.
Seoul, March 28 (NationPress) Authorities in South Korea are preparing to question a man believed to have ignited significant wildfires in the southeastern part of the country, as stated by officials on Friday.
This individual, in his 50s, is thought to have sparked the fire at 11:24 a.m. on Saturday while conducting an ancestral ritual at a family grave located on a hillside in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province.
The blaze spread swiftly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, wreaking havoc in the area before being fully contained by around 5 p.m. on Friday.
At least 24 fatalities and 25 injuries have been reported in the province, alongside the evacuation of thousands of residents, according to government sources.
Police have recently concluded a preliminary investigation involving the suspect's daughter and are now preparing to interrogate the man, as per official statements.
In South Korea, accidentally igniting a wildfire can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of 30 million won ($20,433).
Prosecutors have indicated that the inquiry will need to assess whether he breached the Forest Protection Act, the Criminal Act, and the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
They have also requested collaborative investigations with police and other relevant authorities, given that the wildfires impacted five cities and counties in the province, according to officials.
Concurrently, the massive wildfires that have plagued North Gyeongsang Province for a week were successfully contained on Friday, aided by improved visibility and cooler temperatures following overnight rain, which facilitated firefighters in extinguishing the main fires.
In the most severe wildfire incident in South Korea's history, a series of forest fires has devastated the southeastern region, including South Gyeongsang Province since last Friday, resulting in at least 28 deaths, 37 injuries, and the displacement of approximately 38,000 individuals, as reported by the government's disaster response agency.
The largest wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province was completely controlled by 5 p.m., roughly 149 hours after it initially ignited in Uiseong County, according to the Korea Forest Service (KFS).
Firefighting teams continue to work on containing blazes in South Gyeongsang Province, where, as of 3 p.m., around 93 percent of the fires in the area had been extinguished.
