The wildfire in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam has not been extinguished for seven days, prompting the Gyeongnam Provincial Government to strongly appeal for support from the central government.
On the 27th, Governor Park Wansoo expressed deep concern over the wildfire in Sancheong spreading into Jirisan National Park, emphasizing, "This is a critical moment when we must protect Korea's first national park," and urgently ordered an all-out response.
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is giving instructions related to firefighting at the wildfire site in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Governor Park stated, "Our top priority is to extinguish the flames as quickly as possible to prevent further spread," stressing, "Swift and comprehensive support from the central government is desperately needed."
The Gyeongnam Provincial Government, together with forestry and fire authorities, mobilized all available personnel and equipment to prevent the wildfire from crossing into the national park. However, on the afternoon of the 26th, embers carried by strong winds ignited fires inside Jirisan National Park, causing the blaze to spread further within.
Governor Park said, "Jirisan National Park was designated as Korea's first national park in 1967," adding, "This means that the state officially recognized the historical, cultural, and ecological value of the entire Jirisan area for the first time."
He continued, "We now stand before the grave responsibility of protecting that value."
Firefighters are conducting nighttime firefighting operations at a forest fire site in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam. Provided by Korea Forest Service
Currently, 29 firefighting helicopters, 1,886 personnel, and 230 vehicles have been deployed to battle the flames that have swept through Sancheong, Hadong, and Jirisan. However, strong winds, dry weather, and rugged terrain are making firefighting efforts extremely challenging.
Governor Park stated, "Even under these harsh conditions, we cannot retreat. We will not give up until the end and will protect it," and appealed, "I ask all residents to unite their hearts."
Jirisan National Park, spanning Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongnam, is the largest national park in Korea, covering a total area of 483.022 square kilometers.
It is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, including highlands, valleys, primeval forests, and habitats for rare wildlife, and has long been called the "sacred mountain of the nation," embodying the spirit and sentiment of the Korean people.
In particular, with over 80 Asiatic black bears currently inhabiting the area, it is recognized as both the starting point for the restoration project of this endangered species and a symbol of ecological responsibility and action for future generations.
The wildfire in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong began at around 3:26 p.m. on the 21st and has since spread to Sancheong, Hadong, and Jirisan National Park.
As of 2 p.m. on the 27th, the containment rate stands at 80%, with the affected area reaching 1,745 hectares, the total fire line extending 70 kilometers, and approximately 14 kilometers of active fire remaining.
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