Sancheong Wildfire Continues for 7th Day... Overnight Efforts to Contain Blaze Ongoing

The wildfire that broke out on a hillside in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province at 3:26 p.m. on the 21st has entered its seventh day as of just past midnight on the 27th.

The South Gyeongsang provincial government and the Korea Forest Service deployed 29 firefighting helicopters, 1,909 personnel, and 235 vehicles to extinguish the fire, but strong winds caused the wildfire to spread, preventing them from gaining control of the main blaze.

Firefighters are conducting nighttime firefighting operations at a wildfire site in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam. Provided by Korea Forest Service

As of 6 p.m. on the 26th, approximately 77% of the fire had been put out, but the flames spread beyond the Hadong area and reached Jirisan National Park.

The affected area has increased to 1,708 hectares, with a total fire line of 66 kilometers and 16.5 kilometers of active fire remaining.

As the fire spread, an additional evacuation order was issued for all residents of Jungsan-ri in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, as well as residents of Daepo, Hwangjeom, Naewon, and Dagan villages in Samjang-myeon.

To prevent livestock losses, 70 cattle from Goam Village in Hadong were also relocated to nearby farms.

Currently, 1,573 residents from nearby villages including Sancheong and Hadong have evacuated to 21 locations such as Donguibogamchon Forest Retreat and Okjong Multipurpose Ecological Center.

The fire destroyed 28 homes, 2 factories, 2 religious facilities, and a total of 72 structures. Four people died and nine were injured during firefighting efforts.

Firefighters deployed to the wildfire site in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam, are loading wildfire suppressant to be used for nighttime firefighting.

The South Gyeongsang provincial government and forestry authorities plan to mobilize all available ground firefighting personnel and equipment overnight to prevent the wildfire from spreading further and to avoid additional casualties or property damage.

Previously, Park Myungkyun, Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs of South Gyeongsang Province, said, "There is a slight rain forecast, and although the amount is small, it will help extinguish the remaining flames. We will do our best to control the main fire during the day."

He added, "We will not only ensure the safety of our personnel but also thoroughly inspect equipment to prevent any safety accidents."