An 80-year-old man faces arrest after igniting a mountain fire in Danyang, Chungbuk, while seeking warmth amid dementia symptoms and disorientation.
Arrest and Initial Findings
Authorities arrested the suspect, identified only as A, on charges of violating forest protection laws. Officials discovered him at the scene of a blaze in the expansive Simya Private Gunyurim forest. A had permission to burn branches and agricultural waste near his container home in Jangnim-ri, Daegang-myeon, but the fire escalated beyond control.
Investigators found small wood scraps and other materials at the site. A carried a lighter and was constructing rafters, though part of his pants showed burn marks, indicating close proximity to the flames.
Dementia and the Spark
Analysis reveals A exhibits clear dementia symptoms. He purchased rice bran for chicken feed at a Danyang-eup facility but struggled to ignite it properly. While returning via a mountain path, he slipped on icy terrain, lost his bearings, and lit a fire to ward off the chill.
Experts note this as a high-risk case, urging special oversight for similar incidents involving vulnerable seniors in rural areas.
Fire Impact and Response
The blaze erupted around 1:59 p.m. the previous day, smoldering for about six hours before initial containment. It reignited, requiring full suppression by 11:38 p.m., totaling over nine hours and 39 minutes of active firefighting.
No injuries occurred, though approximately 50 residents evacuated along nearby roads. Damage assessments confirm 3.88 hectares of forested land affected.
