On November 21, as snow blanketed the vast mountain forests, Changbai Mountain achieved 100% snow coverage. The Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve Management Center successfully completed its 2025 autumn forest fire prevention mission, marking 16 consecutive fire prevention periods without forest fire alerts and 65 years without major forest fires since the reserve's establishment.
Forest fire prevention begins with patrols. The Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve Management Center established 11 protection stations as core bases, forming a three-dimensional prevention system combining "ground patrols, aerial monitoring, and fixed lookout posts." Patrol personnel covered every corner of the forest year-round, with over 40,000 patrol dispatches and a total distance exceeding 480,000 kilometers, ensuring full coverage of the mountainous terrain.
During the critical autumn fire prevention period, the reserve's prevention system was further strengthened. The management center divided the forest into 34 grids for refined "closed-loop management with assigned responsibilities" and coordinated with seven neighboring forestry bureaus to form a regional fire prevention network. Fifteen field camps were set up in key areas, with 24-hour monitoring, involving 950 camp dispatches and over 3,500 personnel.
From October 18 to November 20, in collaboration with the Changbai Mountain Forest Fire Prevention Command, the management center mobilized 600 staff members in 100 teams to reinforce frontline patrols, tightening the prevention network and enhancing fire source management to eliminate blind spots.
Changbai Mountain’s fire prevention efforts are rapidly advancing toward intelligent monitoring. Over 3,000 infrared cameras and 200 video surveillance points continuously monitor anomalies, while 15 lookout towers equipped with "Forest Eye" systems can detect fires within a 20-kilometer radius with over 98% accuracy. Satellite remote sensing, 700MHz wildlife cameras, and drone patrols work together to form an integrated "sky-ground-space" monitoring network.
This year, nine new drone nests were added, enabling autonomous patrols, automatic returns, and precise monitoring in key areas, significantly improving early fire detection efficiency.
Infrastructure upgrades have also bolstered fire prevention. The management center completed the construction of border firebreaks, which passed provincial inspections. The Jinjiang Station housing project was completed, improving working and living conditions for frontline patrol personnel. Two rolling dams were built in wind disaster zones to ensure emergency water supply, providing critical support for firefighting under extreme conditions.
Firefighting teams have also enhanced their capabilities. The center organized comprehensive training for commanders and firefighters, inviting provincial experts to address skill gaps. Unannounced drills simulated real fire scenarios, testing rapid response, coordination, and combat readiness—all completed to high standards. Professional firefighting teams underwent standardized training and rigorous assessments, achieving expected results.
Public participation is vital to forest fire prevention. The management center integrated law enforcement with awareness campaigns, conducting three large-scale clearance operations and 28 inspections of specialty product stores and mountain goods shops, penalizing 113 violators for illegal entry or fire misuse. Over 6,000 fire prevention banners and 70 promotional signs were displayed along main roads, with 9,000 leaflets distributed and 500 awareness vehicles deployed during high-risk periods.
Themed campaigns, such as Korean pine seed protection, fostered a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging public involvement in safeguarding the forest.
"We protect not just this ancient forest but a natural heritage for humanity and future generations," reflects the belief of Changbai Mountain’s guardians. Moving forward, the management center remains committed to "ecology first, protection foremost," refining prevention systems, adopting advanced technology, and fostering broader participation to strengthen ecological security. This ensures the forest’s enduring vitality and a new chapter in harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
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