Gyeongsangnam-do elevated the crisis alert level of the wildfire that occurred in Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun at 1:59 PM on the 8th from ‘Interest’ to ‘Severe’.
Gyeongnam Province stated that this action follows the Level 3 wildfire alert issued by the Korea Forest Service at 5:30 PM due to the wildfire’s spread.
Flames are rising in a nearby hill in Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam. [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]
According to the province, the damage area is increasing due to dry weather and wind.
The province has entered an emergency duty system in cooperation with the National Police Agency, military units, Korea Electric Power Corporation, KT, and others.
At the site, a total of 34 helicopters, 1,174 personnel, and 81 fire engines and firefighting vehicles from the Korea Forest Service, the National Fire Agency, and military units have been deployed to fully focus on extinguishing the wildfire and preventing its spread.
After sunset, helicopters were withdrawn, but basic equipment and personnel are being mobilized to prevent the wildfire from spreading and to carry out nighttime firefighting operations.
Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do (center right), is discussing firefighting strategies with on-site personnel at the Hapcheon wildfire scene. [Photo by Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government]
The province evacuated 214 residents to village halls, senior centers, and health clinics, and assigned dedicated staff at each shelter to minimize inconvenience for the evacuated residents.
Disaster broadcasts and emergency text messages are being sent to local residents, urging them to refrain from going outside for their safety.
Governor Park Wan-su instructed, “Let’s unite the efforts of public officials and related organizations for a full-scale response,” and ordered, “Evacuate not only residents near the wildfire but also those in areas where damage is anticipated in advance.”
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