The Uljin and Samcheok wildfires, which were recorded as the longest wildfires in history, caused enormous damage.
But if the fire was caused by accident, what would be the punishment for the person who started the fire?
In conclusion, in addition to criminal punishment, if the local government claims the right to indemnity according to the civil law, it must be compensated financially.
First of all, when a forest fire occurs, special judicial police officers from local governments conduct investigations and identify the cause of the fire.
If the person who caused the fire is revealed according to the investigation, even if it was not intentional, judicial procedures will be followed and the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine of not more than 30 million won.
At this time, the scale of damage caused by wildfires is considered as a sentencing factor.
In fact, in March of last year, a person who incinerated agricultural waste and caused 4.42 hectares of wildfire damage was sentenced to eight months in prison.
The punishment doesn't stop there.
Even if a fire is caused by mistake, if there is an illegal element, the local government can claim the right to indemnify the person who caused the fire according to the Civil Act.
Typically, the cost of replanting trees or reforestation after a forest fire is included in the claim for reimbursement.