"Is It True There Are 100 Safety Alert Messages? ...Urgent Situation in Andong"

Wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk Spreads to Nearby Areas
National KyungGuk University in Andong Extends Campus Closure

A wildfire that started in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk is spreading to nearby Andong, Gyeongbuk, causing extensive damage. The fire spread to the extent that it was visible at the National KyungGuk University located in the Andong area, leading the school to issue a closure order.

The image shows a wildfire spreading behind a signboard that reads "National Andong Gyeongguk University." Screenshot by X.

On the 26th, National KyungGuk University announced an extension of the closure period for its Andong campus. The university stated, "Due to the spread of the wildfire in the jurisdiction, evacuation guidance, and changing circumstances, the closure period will be extended from March 27 to March 28 to ensure the safety and health of students."

The previous day, the university had decided to suspend classes on the 25th and 26th due to the wildfire spreading in Andong, but as the fire continued to intensify, the closure was extended. It is also reported that the university dormitories recommended students return to their family homes due to the fire.

On the same day, Andong city faced a crisis as it was temporarily surrounded by the wildfire. According to forestry authorities, two fatalities were confirmed in the wildfire-affected areas of Andong.

As the fire spread, Andong city issued an evacuation order to all citizens at 5 p.m. on the 25th. The city sent an emergency disaster message advising, "The wildfire is spreading throughout our city; all citizens should evacuate to a safe place." At 5:05 p.m., another message stated, "The wildfire is spreading throughout the jurisdiction. All citizens should evacuate to a safe place, and those who have already evacuated should remain in a safe location."

A social media user who identified themselves as a student of Guknip Gyeongguk University reported the wildfire damage situation in Andong, Gyeongbuk. Screenshot from X.

On social networking services (SNS), posts were continuously uploaded reporting that the wildfire was visible from inside the Andong campus. One user, identifying themselves as a student of Andong University (now National KyungGuk University), said, "During lectures, the emergency evacuation alarm kept ringing due to the Andong wildfire," and questioned, "Is it true that 100 safety alert messages were sent?" They also described the situation, saying, "The smoke is so thick that it is hard to breathe without a mask."

Another user posted photos and videos of the wildfire, stating, "The Uiseong wildfire has spread to Andong, and if you are at Andong University, you can see the fire with the naked eye."

Currently, the wildfire is spreading with strong winds to four cities and counties in the northeastern part of Gyeongbuk. On the 26th, Andong city issued an additional evacuation order. Through safety messages, Andong city advised, "The wildfire is spreading in San153, Galjeon-ri, Imdong-myeon. Residents of Galjeon 1-ri and Galjeon 2-ri are requested to evacuate to Yongsang Elementary School."

Meanwhile, according to data compiled by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, as of 5 a.m. on the same day, the containment rates of major wildfires nationwide are ▲80% in Sancheong and Hadong, Gyeongnam ▲68% in Uiseong and Andong, Gyeongbuk ▲92% in Onyang-myeon, Ulju, Ulsan ▲98% in Eonyang-myeon, Ulju, Ulsan.