South Korea signals zero tolerance for wildfire negligence

Even accidentally starting a wildfire can result in up to 3 years in prison, officials warn

A resident watches a wildfire spread on a mountain in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, on Thursday, (Yonhap)

As the massive wildfires sweeping through southeastern South Korea enter their second week, authorities believe the fire in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, considered to be the origin of the blazes, was likely caused by the carelessness of someone visiting the grave of a relative.

Fire authorities said they plan to launch a full-scale investigation into the cause once the fires are completely extinguished. If the fire is confirmed to be the result of negligence, the individual responsible could face significant legal consequences, including criminal penalties and possible compensation claims for forest damage and firefighting costs.

Forest fires in South Korea are frequently caused by human activity — particularly by people burning waste or discarding cigarette butts. Authorities warn that even sparks from weed trimmers commonly used to tidy up grave sites can ignite dry forest areas, especially during windy spring weather.

While some fires are unintentional, the law does not excuse negligence. Under Article 53 of the Forest Protection Act, even accidental fires can result in up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.

From 2021 to March 24, a total of 2,108 wildfires were reported nationwide, with 817 linked to either arson or negligence, amounting to 38.6 percent of all incidents. Legal outcomes included 43 prison sentences, 161 fines, and 105 cases resulting in deferred prosecutions.

However, with more than half of wildfire cases still going unsolved, authorities are stepping up efforts to track down those responsible. Investigators now examine cigarette butts, lighters and alcohol containers found near fire sites and are using satellite imagery along with footage from drones, CCTV cameras and dashcams to identify possible suspects and their vehicles.

In a public advisory issued Tuesday, the Korea Forest Service reiterated bans on burning waste near forested areas, entering restricted hiking zones, and carrying flammable materials into these areas. Campfires are only permitted in designated zones, and hikers are advised to fully extinguish any flames before leaving.

The penalties are much steeper for intentional arson. Setting fire to another person’s forested land carries a prison sentence of five to 15 years, while burning one’s own forest is punishable by one to 10 years in prison. Anyone caught starting fires or carrying open flames within 100 meters of a forest can also face fines of up to 1 million won.