Forest Fire Containment Rate in Gyeongbuk Region Exceeds 90%... "Although Rainfall Was Light, Positive Effect"

The wildfire containment rate in the Gyeongbuk region has all risen to over 90%.

According to the Korea Forest Service Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 28th, as of 12 noon that day, the wildfire containment rates in the areas of Uiseong, Andong, Yeongyang, and Cheongsong in Gyeongbuk all recorded over 90%.

The Korea Forest Service's aerial wildfire suppression team is conducting nighttime wildfire suppression activities. Photo by Korea Forest Service

By region, Uiseong has the highest containment rate at 98%, followed by Yeongyang at 95%, Cheongsong at 91%, and Andong at 90%.

At the Uiseong wildfire site, currently 41 firefighting helicopters, 2,152 firefighting personnel, and 284 firefighting vehicles are deployed conducting wildfire suppression activities.

The wildfire-affected area is estimated at 12,821 hectares, with a total fire line of 277 km. The remaining fire line is 6 km, and the forestry authorities have completed containment along 271 km. Winds are blowing from the west-southwest at a maximum speed of 4 to 5 m/s.

At the Andong wildfire site, currently 13 firefighting helicopters, 1,168 firefighting personnel, and 185 firefighting vehicles are deployed conducting wildfire suppression activities.

The wildfire-affected area is estimated at 9,896 hectares. The total fire line is 171 km, of which 154 km have been contained. The remaining fire line is identified as 17 km. Winds at the site are southwesterly, with maximum speeds of 2 to 4 m/s.

At the Yeongyang wildfire site, 11 firefighting helicopters, 548 firefighting personnel, and 84 firefighting vehicles have been deployed. The wildfire-affected area is 5,070 hectares, with a total fire line estimated at 154 km. The remaining fire line is 8 km, and the forestry authorities have completed containment along 146 km.

At the Cheongsong wildfire site, 7 firefighting helicopters, 650 firefighting personnel, and 98 firefighting vehicles have been deployed. The wildfire-affected area is 9,320 hectares, with a total fire line estimated at 174 km. Currently, the remaining fire line is 16 km, and containment has been completed along 158 km.

Voices from the field indicate that the brief rain and high humidity from the previous day positively contributed to wildfire suppression.

A representative from the Korea Forest Service Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters said, “We will mobilize all available firefighting resources, including helicopters, to prevent the spread of the wildfire and make every effort to ensure the main fire is quickly contained.”