North Korea has urged residents to exercise caution regarding forest fires, as November rainfall has fallen below average levels.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Thursday that while average temperatures across most regions have risen since the beginning of November, rainfall has been less than 10 mm (0.39 inches), lower than the same period last year. The paper noted that this is significantly below the normal average of 40 mm (1.57 inches), and that windy conditions due to high-pressure systems have been observed at times this year.
The article emphasized that November has seen very little rainfall, resulting in a string of relatively dry days. This situation, it warned, demands continued vigilance against forest fires.
The newspaper stressed that preventing forest fires is a top priority in forest protection and management efforts. It urged local governments to refrain from reassigning forestry workers and laborers to other projects, including construction, under various pretexts.
The article called for the immediate establishment of monitoring and control posts in areas at high risk for forest fires and in locations suitable for fire surveillance. It underscored the importance of conducting regular fire monitoring and control operations, as well as maintaining a well-organized system to swiftly mobilize the public to extinguish any fires that may occur.
Furthermore, it emphasized the need for strict adherence to regulations for those entering forested areas to gather berries and seeds, and highlighted the importance of preventing electrical accidents from power lines.
North Korea is dedicating all available resources to forest fire prevention initiatives, as its limited response capabilities and resources make firefighting challenging when blazes do occur. In 2005, the country enacted fire safety laws to establish the duties of the People’s Security Fire Brigade, tasked with conducting firefighting activities in preparation for natural disasters.