earticle

영어

This study conducts a comparative analysis of wildfire response systems in the United States, Japan, and the European Union to derive implications for improving South Korea's wildfire management framework. As climate change intensifies wildfires globally, understanding effective governance structures becomes increasingly critical. The United States employs the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), providing standardized, scalable response structures. Japan integrates wildfire management within its Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act, emphasizing local engagement and clear responsibility delineation. The European Union demonstrates transnational coordination through its Civil Protection Mechanism and European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). The analysis reveals South Korea faces challenges from institutional fragmentation, unclear command structures, and misalignment between reporting systems and resource allocation. Based on international best practices, this study recommends institutional reforms to clarify jurisdictional authorities, organizational restructuring to enhance initial response capabilities, and improved resource allocation strategies to develop a more integrated, efficient, and resilient wildfire management system for South Korea.