The Korea Forest Research Institute announced that forest fires are expected to increase due to field burning in the southern region. It further asked the public to be cautious especially on the weekend of February 11~12 as many people celebrate the first fullmoon of the new lunar year.

The first fullmoon of the new lunar year is a traditional festive day where many local farming communities call it "Nodalgi." The farmers usually take rest during this season in preparation of new farming cycle. In the southern region, farmers undertake field burning to prepare for the next crops that forest fires are prone to occur during this season.

As of January 31, 2006, there have been 48 forest fires damaging 29 ha. This is around 74% of the previous years and 84% in damaged area. The forest fires have fairly reduced, however, as the spring dry season is approaching, the forest fire hazards is expected to go up to the Danger Warning level.

Based on the 5 year average, about 12%(65 cases) of the forest fires occur in February every year taking up around 2% of the total damaged area(36.2 ha). Although it is relatively a low proportion, forest fires may grow into large scales very easily as the dry season continues that it is very important to be prepared.

International Cooperation Division
+82-42-481-4172