20-Hour Battle... Main Fire Suppression of Hapcheon Wildfire

Area of 230 Soccer Fields Reduced to Ashes, Remaining Fires Being Extinguished

Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the morning of the 9th at 10 a.m. that the main fire of the wildfire in Yongju-myeon, Hapcheon-gun has been extinguished.

According to Gyeongnam Province, the wildfire that broke out at 1:59 p.m. the previous day burned an area equivalent to about 230 soccer fields.

There were no casualties, but it is estimated that 163 hectares of forest were lost.

The forestry and fire authorities plan to conduct an on-site investigation after all the remaining fires are extinguished to determine the exact scale of the damage.

Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su (center) is discussing with on-site personnel before the briefing at the Hapcheon wildfire site.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Governor Park Wan-su said at the on-site briefing, "We apologize for causing concern due to the Hapcheon wildfire," adding, "As a result of various efforts to extinguish the wildfire, the main fire has been put out."

He continued, "I deeply appreciate the hard work of everyone who participated in the firefighting efforts, and we will thoroughly strive to ensure the rapid restoration of the affected areas, including the cleanup of remaining fires. Since 50% of wildfires occur in March and April, I hope all residents will take an interest in wildfire prevention and actively cooperate by refraining from burning trash," he said.