Wildfire Causes Severe Damage in Five Regions
Residents Evacuated and Extensive Forests Lost
The wildfire that began in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, spread to five regions including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, causing large-scale damage. However, by 5 p.m. on the 28th, six days after the outbreak, the main fire was completely extinguished.
A wildfire that started in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, spread to five areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, causing extensive damage, but the main fire was completely extinguished at 5 p.m. on the 28th, six days after it began. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon
◆ Ignition in Uiseong on the 22nd, Spread by Strong Winds
This wildfire first broke out at around 11:24 a.m. on the 22nd in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. The combination of dry weather and strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, sweeping through a total of five regions, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. Extensive forests were lost to the fire, and there was significant chaos as residents in the affected areas were forced to evacuate.
As the wildfire expanded, the Korea Forest Service and fire authorities declared a national disaster and mobilized helicopters, fire trucks, and personnel to fight the blaze. However, efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by strong winds and rugged mountainous terrain. The situation was particularly challenging at night, as helicopter operations were not possible, leading to a vicious cycle of the fire spreading further.
◆ 150 Hours of Struggle... Nationwide Firefighting Forces Mobilized
To contain the wildfire, support personnel from across the country were deployed. More than 8,000 people from the Korea Forest Service, fire departments, and military units were mobilized, along with over 80 helicopters and 150 fire trucks, which worked tirelessly to put out the flames.
In particular, in Andong and Yeongyang, the fire approached residential areas and industrial complexes, prompting evacuation orders for local residents. Fire authorities established defensive lines and created firebreaks to protect homes and key facilities, making every effort to prevent the wildfire from spreading further.
◆ Main Fire Extinguished at 5 p.m. on the 28th... Mop-Up Operations Continue
Thanks to the all-out efforts of the Korea Forest Service and fire authorities, the main fire that had raged for six days was completely extinguished by 5 p.m. on the 28th. However, with embers still remaining in some areas, authorities are continuing mop-up operations by deploying additional personnel to ensure complete extinguishment.
An official from the Korea Forest Service stated, "We are thoroughly monitoring the remaining embers to prevent reignition by strong winds and will continue firefighting operations until every ember is extinguished."
◆ Assessment of Damage and Restoration Plans to Be Discussed
The wildfire is estimated to have destroyed extensive forest areas, and the exact scale of the damage is currently under investigation. After a comprehensive analysis of the burned forest area and property damage, the government and local authorities plan to establish support measures for restoration.
Meanwhile, as this wildfire spread rapidly due to dry weather and strong winds, discussions on wildfire prevention measures are expected to intensify. Experts emphasized, "As the risk of large-scale wildfires increases due to climate change, it is essential to further strengthen prevention and early response systems."
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