Wildfire erupts in Paju with North Korean trash balloon suspected as cause

Social Affairs

Wildfire erupts in Paju with North Korean trash balloon suspected as cause

Published: 13 Aug. 2024, 11:51 Updated: 13 Aug. 2024, 16:38

SEO JI-EUN
seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr

A wildfire broke out around 11:45 a.m. on Monday in a forested area in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, where a North Korean trash-carrying balloon was discovered. [KOREA FOREST SERVICE]

A wildfire broke out in Paju, Gyeonggi, with a waste-carrying balloon sent from North Korea suspected to be the cause.

The blaze was reported around 11:45 a.m. on Monday on a hill near the border, according to the Korea Forest Service and local fire authorities. Ten fire trucks and 36 personnel were dispatched, and the fire was extinguished within 23 minutes. Approximately 10 square meters (107.6 square feet) of the hill was burned, but no casualties were reported.

During firefighting efforts, responders discovered a North Korean trash balloon at the site, raising suspicion that it may have sparked the fire. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause.

Over the weekend, Pyongyang launched more than 240 trash-laden balloons across the border. Only about 4 percent of the identified balloons fell in South Korean territory. These balloons are reportedly equipped with timers and explosive devices, allowing them to release waste at specific locations after a set period of flight.

This marks the 11th time this year that North Korea has sent waste-laden balloons into South Korean territory.

The latest incident follows a similar event on July 24, when a North Korean trash balloon landed on the roof of a residential building in Goyang, Gyeonggi, and exploded, causing a fire. The blaze was linked to a timer-attached explosive device on the balloon, which ignited papers inside, leaving soot marks on the roof. No injuries were reported.

Authorities have stated that remnants of wires and other materials found in the debris of the trash balloons suggest that the fires were likely caused by explosive devices attached to the balloons.

"The trash balloons are equipped with timers that cause them to explode after a certain period, spreading the waste," an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. "The proportion of balloons equipped with these devices has increased compared to the first and second launches."

On June 2, another trash balloon caused damage in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, when its explosive device detonated, damaging the roof and ceiling of a house and igniting a parked truck. The incident resulted in damages worth several million won. On May 29, a vehicle parked at a logistics center in Yeongdeungpo District in western Seoul sustained damage to its roof, resulting in property losses totaling 15.7 million won ($11,500).

In response to North Korea's balloon launches, South Korea's military has been broadcasting anti-North Korean messages via loudspeakers in front line areas. The broadcasts, which began partially on July 18, have been fully operational since July 21.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have advised the public to be cautious of falling objects and to report any discovered waste balloons to the nearest military unit or police station without touching them.

Update, Aug. 13: Further background on previous trash balloon launches and South Korea's response.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]