Posco addresses forest fire problem head on

On Oct. 18, Posco delivered 50 sets of premium forest fire extinguishing auxiliary equipment made with Posco’s World Top Premium (WTP) steel to the 119 Forest Fire Special Task Force. [POSCO]

Posco is taking the lead in addressing the issue of forest fire, with the company’s self-produced forest fire extinguishing auxiliary equipment.

On Oct. 18, it delivered 50 sets of premium equipment made with Posco’s WTP (World Top Premium) steel to the 119 Forest Fire Special Response Team, which was launched in January this year to systematically control forest fires, mainly in North Gyeongsang.

Forest fire extinguishing auxiliary equipment differs from direct fire extinguishers. It is designed to address lingering backfires on the site, particularly among leaves, which were previously done through using small farming equipments.

Considering the domestic rocky mountainous environment, Posco increased the equipment’s durability, strength and toughness, leveraging its world-class steel manufacturing technology.

By collaborating with clients including Korea Forest Fire Management Service Association, Mystech, Handu Steel, Nastech and Kukje Forging, Posco aims to display a new frontier of forest fire extinguishing equipment, which is composed of two multi-functional blades and a handle.

One blade serves four functions: hoe, pitchfork, rake, and leveler. The equipment's weight has been significantly reduced, and its portability increased with a detachable handle.

Posco’s volunteer group used sewing machines to create homemade totes for the equipment, making it easier to carry on the shoulders and reducing inconvenience.

At the delivery ceremony for the forest fire extinguishing auxiliary equipment held on Oct. 18, Gyeongbuk Fire Department Headquarters Director Lee Young-pal, Posco Hot Rolled Wire Rod Marketing Director Ban Don-ho and Mystech CEO Kim Jin-hwan attended.
Lee thanked Posco on this day, saying Posco’s interest in helping solve forest fire issues will be of great help in responding to large-scale wildlife disasters in the future.

“It is an honor to be a part of helping resolve social problems including forest fires via Posco’s superior steel,” Ban said, adding, “We will continue our efforts to engage in various corporate citizenship activities by strengthening the expertise needed to respond to future disasters as well.”

BY KIM SU-HYEON [kim.suhyeon4@joongang.co.kr]