'Drought Warning' Busan Wildfire... 25,000㎡ of Forest Burned

Image source=Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A wildfire broke out in Busan, where a dry weather warning is in effect, destroying 25,000㎡ of forest land on the 16th.

According to the fire authorities, around 5:30 a.m. that day, a fire started at a temple located in Sinseon-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, and spread to the surrounding forest area (Bongrae Mountain), leading to a wildfire.

One wooden building at the temple was completely burned down, but there were no casualties.

When the wildfire broke out, about 800 personnel and more than 30 firefighting vehicles were deployed to extinguish the fire. At dawn, three helicopters were dispatched to carry out firefighting operations.

The large flames were brought under control around 9:13 a.m., and the firefighting efforts were completed by 10 a.m.

The forestry authorities estimated that 25,000㎡ of forest land was destroyed by the fire. The fire department plans to investigate the cause of the fire at the temple and the extent of property damage.