Why do forest fires occur?

We will take a closer look at the causes of forest fires, how to prevent them, and what foreigners should be careful of.

1. What is a forest fire?

Forest fires are usually caused by natural weather conditions and human activities. For example, weather conditions such as dry weather, strong winds, and high temperatures promote fires. In particular, spring and autumn are seasons when dry winds are likely to blow and fires are more likely to occur.

In addition, the causes of forest fires include the following:

• Spontaneous combustion: Wood can burn due to lightning or friction.
• Human-induced causes: Careless handling of fire when camping or barbecuing, littering of cigarettes, etc. can cause fires. Even a small fire can spread quickly, especially on windy days.
• Agricultural activities: When fire is used for agriculture in forests, it can lead to fires if it is not properly managed.

2. How to prevent forest fires
Preventing forest fires is a big responsibility for individuals. It is important to practice the following preventive measures:

• Be careful with fire: When camping or barbecuing, make sure the fire is out and leave only after it is completely extinguished.
• Do not use fire outdoors on dry days: Avoid using fire outdoors on windy or dry days. If you do use fire, you are required to take sufficient safety measures around you.
• Proper garbage disposal: Do not throw cigarette butts, glass bottles, etc. in the forest, and be sure to take your garbage with you.
• Early detection and reporting: If you find a fire, report it to the fire department immediately and warn people around you to be careful.

3. Precautions for foreigners
In countries such as Japan and Korea, there are very strict rules in place to respect the natural environment of forests and avoid the risk of fire. Foreign tourists and residents visiting the mountains in these areas should be aware of the following:

• Follow local rules: It is important to check and follow local rules regarding the place and time of using fire. It may be illegal to use fire without permission, especially in mountainous areas.
• Check forest access restrictions: Some forests and natural parks may have access restrictions to prevent fires. Check the rules for the area before visiting.
• Know emergency procedures: In case of a forest fire, it is a good idea to find out the nearest evacuation shelter and contact information in advance.

Forest fires can be caused by weather conditions or human activity and are very dangerous. Following preventive measures is important to prevent fires from occurring, and foreigners in particular are urged to follow local rules and enjoy nature safely. In order to reduce the risk of fire and pass on forests to future generations, each individual must act with awareness.