Overnight, the flames reignited in parts of Uiseong and Andong, Gyeongbuk, prompting forest authorities to carry out firefighting operations.
On the morning of the 29th, the Korea Forest Service reported that a wildfire reignited near Namhu-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk, but was extinguished after deploying helicopters and other resources. At the time of ignition, the fire line was reportedly stretched long, and the Korea Expressway Corporation resumed traffic on the Jungang Expressway section from Namandong IC to Seoadong IC in the Gosang-ri area of Namhu-myeon after 9:10 a.m.
On the 29th, a wildfire reignited near Gohari, Namhu-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongbuk, with smoke rising. Photo by Yonhap News
In Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, wildfires also reignited in the morning at the hills of Gyoan 1-ri, Sinpyeong-myeon, and Nurukgol, Jeungyul 1-ri. Forest authorities have deployed three helicopters, a specialized wildfire suppression team, and 230 personnel including officials to carry out firefighting operations.
Work to extinguish remaining embers is also underway between Sogam Village and Daegam Village in Singam-ri, Sagok-myeon, Uiseong County. The forest authorities stated that Sagok-myeon borders Cheongsong, and the possibility of the wildfire spreading cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, smoke has been reported during mop-up operations in various parts of Gyeongbuk, including Andong and Uiseong. Five helicopters have been deployed to the wildfire site near the pumped-storage power plant in Cheongsong County, and four helicopters are conducting firefighting operations in Samui-ri and Okgyeri, Seokbo-myeon, Yeongyang County, where smoke has been observed.
The Gyeongbuk wildfires began around 11:25 a.m. on the 22nd in the Anpyeong-myeon area of Uiseong County, Gyeongbuk. As the fires spread to Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongyang, there have been 30 fatalities, 10 seriously injured, and 31 with minor injuries, totaling 71 casualties.
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