The large wildfire that started in Sancheong, Gyeongnam and spread to Hadong has continued for five days. On the 25th, as the direction of strong winds changed, the fire spread to Jungsan-ri in Jirisan National Park, prompting evacuation orders for local residents and tourists.
On the afternoon of the 24th, the fourth day since the wildfire broke out in Sancheong County, Gyeongnam Province, a Korea Forest Service helicopter is extinguishing the fire. Photo by Yonhap News
According to Sancheong County and Yonhap News, at around 3:30 p.m. that day, an emergency disaster text message was sent to residents of four villages in Sicheon-myeon?Dongdang, Samdang, Sinchon, and Boan?stating, "Nearby residents and hikers, please evacuate to a safe place immediately."
There are 284 households and 437 residents living in these four villages.
The Integrated Wildfire Command Center installed in the area is also planning to relocate to the dried persimmon sales center in Danseong-myeon to escape the flames.
At around 4:25 p.m. that day, Hadong County also notified residents of nine villages in Okjong-myeon?Angye, Gajong, Supchon, Goam, Witae, Galseong, Duyang, Dubang, and Jonghwa?"Due to strong winds, the wildfire is spreading rapidly. Please evacuate immediately."
These nine villages are home to 467 households and 809 residents.
The wildfire continues to spread in the nearby hills of these villages, fueled by strong winds.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a strong wind advisory for Sancheong, Hamyang, and Geochang from 4 p.m. that day.
A strong wind advisory is issued when wind speeds are expected to reach 14 meters per second or higher, or when gusts are predicted to exceed 20 meters per second.
The wildfire that began in Sancheong on the 21st and spread to Hadong was reported to be 90% contained as of 3 p.m. on the 25th.
The Korea Forest Service is mobilizing all available resources from related agencies, including 32 helicopters, 2,122 personnel, and 215 vehicles, to continue firefighting efforts.
As a result of the wildfire, four people?including wildfire suppression team members and government officials from Changnyeong County?have died, and eight others have sustained serious or minor injuries.
In addition, 1,164 people have evacuated, including 355 residents from 252 households in Sancheong and 809 residents from 467 households in Hadong.
Furthermore, 60 structures have been damaged, including 16 homes, two factories, and two religious facilities.
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