"Helicopters Deployed at Sunrise" Wildfire Containment Rate Around 70% in Sancheong, Uiseong, and Ulju

Firefighting helicopters have been deployed to the wildfire sites in Sancheong, Uiseong, and Ulju to carry out wildfire suppression activities. The wildfire containment rates in these areas are around 70%.

On the 24th, the forestry authorities deployed 36 firefighting helicopters to Sancheong, 59 to Uiseong, and 12 to Ulju, Ulsan, at sunrise, focusing on suppressing the main fires.

As of 6 a.m. that day, the wildfire containment rates by region were 70% in Sancheong, 65% in Uiseong, and 69% in Ulju.

A wildfire suppression team member is conducting nighttime wildfire suppression activities at a wildfire site in Sancheong, Gyeongnam. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The wildfire-affected area at the Sancheong wildfire site is estimated to be 1,469 hectares. The forestry authorities have completed suppression along 33.5 km of the total 48 km fire line and are currently working on the remaining 14.5 km. Due to the Sancheong wildfire, 589 residents from nearby villages evacuated to places such as Donguibogam Village. So far, Sancheong has suffered 10 casualties (4 deaths and 6 injuries) and damage to 46 facilities.

The wildfire-affected area in Uiseong is estimated at 6,861 hectares, with a total fire line length of 125.9 km. The forestry authorities have completed suppression along 81.5 km of the fire line. The remaining fire line is currently estimated to be 44.4 km.

Due to the Uiseong wildfire, 709 residents from nearby villages evacuated to locations such as Andong Provincial Nursing Hospital and the Uiseong-eup Indoor Gymnasium. In Uiseong, there were no casualties, but 116 facilities were destroyed.

At the Ulju wildfire site, suppression has been completed along 9.1 km of the total 13.1 km fire line, with 4 km still being suppressed. The wildfire-affected area is estimated at 278 hectares, and 117 residents from nearby villages evacuated to places such as Onyang-eup Office and senior centers.

The Korea Forest Service Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters stated, “Firefighting helicopters were deployed to the wildfire sites in Sancheong, Uiseong, and Ulju at sunrise,” adding, “The Korea Forest Service will prioritize safety to prevent accidents at the suppression sites and will make every effort to suppress the main fires.”