Firefighters Battling Fierce Flames Amid Strong Winds
Some Responders Staggered by Powerful Gusts
Wildfire Death Toll Rises... 18 Dead in Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam
As the wildfire that started last weekend in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, threatens Andong, footage of firefighters battling to extinguish the fire has been released. On the 25th, an approximately 15-second video titled 'Wildfire Scene Firefighter Bodycam' was uploaded to an online community. The video vividly captures firefighters struggling against the fierce flames amid strong winds.
The wildfire that started last weekend in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, is now threatening Andong, and the scenes of firefighters battling to extinguish the fire have been revealed. On the 25th, an approximately 15-second video titled "Wildfire Site Firefighter Bodycam" was uploaded to an online community. Online community
In the smoke so thick that one cannot see an inch ahead, Gyeongsangbuk-do 119 responders are busily preparing their equipment when urgent shouts of "Hey! Watch out! Wind behind you!" are heard. Then, with frantic voices shouting "It's coming! It's coming! It's coming," a strong wind mixed with black smoke and debris suddenly engulfs them. The responders crouch down to withstand the gusts. Some of them staggered from the force of the wind. Mountain ridges were visible on both sides of the responders.
In the smoke so thick that not even an inch ahead is visible, Gyeongsangbuk-do 119 responders are busily gathering their equipment when a frantic shout is heard, "Hey! Watch out! Wind behind you!" Then, with urgent voices shouting, "It's coming! It's coming! It's coming," a strong wind mixed with black smoke and debris suddenly overwhelms them. Online community
Netizens who watched the video responded with comments such as "I truly respect the firefighters," "Ah, so this is why helicopters can't take off in such strong winds," and "I was anxious the entire time watching." One netizen commented, "In movies, it’s portrayed as if you’re safe as long as you don’t touch the fire, but in reality, when a wildfire breaks out, just being nearby makes your face burn and the air quality is so poor you can barely breathe."
The wildfire that broke out in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, has entered its fifth day, with the death toll rising to 18 overnight. Most of the victims were residents who could not escape the rapidly spreading fire. On the 26th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported that 14 people died in Gyeongbuk and 4 in Gyeongnam due to the wildfire. There were a total of 19 injuries, including 6 serious and 13 minor, concentrated in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan regions. Additionally, the wildfire destroyed 209 locations including homes, factories, and cultural properties, and about 27,000 people were evacuated. The area expected to be affected by the wildfire covers 17,534 hectares across six regions. In particular, the damage in Uiseong and Andong, Gyeongbuk, reaches 15,000 hectares.
As the casualties and damage increase, fire authorities plan to begin a full investigation into the cause after completely extinguishing the wildfire. If the Uiseong wildfire is found to have been caused by a graveyard visitor’s negligence, strict punishment is expected along with claims for compensation for forest damage and firefighting costs. On the 25th, the Korea Forest Service urged through safety alert messages, "A small mistake can cause a large wildfire. Even accidental wildfires can result in imprisonment of up to three years. Please be cautious when handling fire near forest areas."
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