A professor argues that the increasing number of forest fires in Korea is linked to the predominance of young pine forests, which are more susceptible to fire.
As spring arrives, the time when trees start to bloom also marks the period when forest fires tragically reoccur in Korea. This year marks the anniversary of a devastating forest fire in Gyeongsangbuk-do that claimed nearly 30 lives. While forest fires are often viewed as natural disasters, over 90% of them in Korea are man-made. A detailed analysis of forest characteristics and fire occurrence in regions like Gyeongbuk and Gangwon reveals that young pine forests, often planted to reduce carbon emissions, are particularly vulnerable to fires due to their low moisture levels. In contrast, broadleaf forests serve as natural firebreaks by retaining more soil moisture due to their seasonal change in transpiration. Furthermore, the analysis highlighted the influence of trails on fire occurrence, indicating that areas with more hiking routes tend to experience more fires. This suggests that human activity plays a significant role in igniting these fires. Interestingly, while logging roads are often blamed, they actually help by providing quick access for firefighting efforts. The most surprising finding is related to the age of forests; contrary to common belief that older trees are more susceptible to fire, research shows that younger forests are more at risk, emphasizing the need to shift towards healthier forest structures with a focus on broadleaf species for better fire prevention.
