Yeongju Implements First Phase of Resident Evacuation Due to Wildfire Spread

Emergency Meeting Held on the 26th
Priority Evacuation for Isan, Pyeongeun, Munsu, and Jangsu-myeon

The large wildfire rapidly spreading across the Uiseong and Andong areas of North Gyeongsang Province is increasingly threatening the southern region of Yeongju as well.

In response, the Yeongju city government, prioritizing the lives and safety of residents, held an emergency countermeasure meeting on the 26th, presided over by acting mayor Lee Jaehun. During this meeting, the city implemented the first phase of evacuation for residents in wildfire-prone areas of Isan-myeon, Pyeongeun-myeon, Munsu-myeon, and Jangsu-myeon starting at 6 p.m. that day.

Yeongju City is holding an emergency countermeasure meeting in response to the spread of the wildfire.

The first phase of evacuation was carried out mainly at safe base facilities such as senior centers and village halls in each community, with priority given to the elderly and vulnerable groups to ensure their safety.

To prepare for the possible spread of the wildfire, the city also established a second-phase evacuation plan utilizing large-scale facilities such as schools. Currently, a total of 25 locations, including schools in the region, have been designated as secondary evacuation shelters, providing space for up to 8,674 people.

Additionally, the city is in discussions to designate local universities such as Dongyang University, Gyeongbuk College, and Polytechnic College, as well as religious facilities, as additional evacuation shelters in preparation for large-scale evacuations.

To respond effectively to the wildfire, the city has established a phased evacuation plan divided into first and second stages according to risk level, and has shared this plan in advance with townships and neighborhoods to ensure a practical response system.

Residents have been advised to prepare personal items such as medications, extra clothing, and thermal blankets when evacuating, and to strictly follow safety rules such as shutting off electricity and gas. Guidelines also include using less congested roads when traveling by car, staying in contact with family and acquaintances, and regularly checking disaster text messages and public announcements.

A Yeongju city official stated, "We are systematically implementing phased responses to prepare for the unpredictable spread of the wildfire," and added, "We will prioritize the lives and safety of residents in all our response efforts."

As a result of the first-phase evacuation, a total of 159 residents from 152 households in Munsu-myeon, Isan-myeon, Pyeongeun-myeon, and Jangsu-myeon temporarily evacuated to nearby senior centers and village halls starting from the afternoon of the 26th. On the morning of the 27th, as the risk of wildfire spread eased somewhat, the evacuated residents were allowed to return home.