Large Wildfire in Sancheong Continues for Fifth Day ... 12 Dead or Injured, 60 Facilities Burned

Fire Reignites Due to Strong Winds and Dry Weather
Containment Efforts Face Major Challenges

The large wildfire that broke out in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do on the 21st has continued into its fifth day, extending past midnight.

According to Gyeongsangnam-do and forestry authorities, as of 8 p.m. on the 24th, the wildfire containment rate in Sancheong-gun had reached 85%, but the fire, which spread to Okjong-myeon in Hadong-gun due to dry weather and strong winds, has not been easily extinguished.

The Special Wildfire Suppression Team is conducting nighttime firefighting operations at a large wildfire site in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam Province. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

At sunrise, 36 helicopters, aerial firefighting teams, special response units, the Gyeongsangnam-do wide-area firefighting team, firefighters, and 2,454 personnel including soldiers were deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to residential areas and facilities. However, strong winds at times halted firefighting efforts, causing difficulties.

For nighttime operations that began after sunset, 1,599 personnel and 224 vehicles were mobilized to continue firefighting throughout the night.

At the site, wind speeds reached 8 to 13 meters per second, with temperatures at 12.5 degrees Celsius and humidity at 35%.

So far, the wildfire-affected area is estimated at 924 hectares in Sancheong and 629 hectares in Hadong, totaling 1,553 hectares.

The total fire line is 53 kilometers, with the fire extinguished along 36 kilometers in Sancheong and 9 kilometers in Hadong. However, 3 kilometers in Sancheong and 5 kilometers in Hadong, totaling 8 kilometers, remain burning.

The scene of Jungtae Village in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam, which was damaged by a large forest fire. Provided by Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters

A total of 1,143 residents, including 329 people from 240 households in Sancheong-gun and 814 people from 468 households in Hadong-gun, have evacuated to 17 locations such as Danseong Middle School, Okjong Middle School, and Donguibogamchon. All residents who evacuated from Jinju-si have returned home.

Due to the fire, three wildfire response team members from Changnyeong-gun and one county office official lost their lives, and eight people suffered burns and other injuries. Sixty facilities, including 16 houses, two factories, and two religious facilities, were destroyed by the fire.

Gyeongsangnam-do and forestry authorities plan to do their utmost to prevent the wildfire from reaching residential areas overnight and, at daybreak, will fully mobilize helicopters, personnel, and equipment to contain the main fire.

Additionally, to prevent further casualties, firefighting personnel will be deployed according to weather conditions, and fire and police will be stationed near villages and key facilities to ensure safety.