Damage Equivalent to 2,602 Soccer Fields
Wildfire in Sancheong and Hadong Brought Under Control After 10 Days
A wildfire that started in Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam, and spread over ten days to Hadong-gun, Jinju-si, and Jirisan National Park has been extinguished.
According to the forestry authorities on the 30th, the main fire of the Sancheong wildfire, which lasted for ten days, was brought under control as of 1 p.m. It has been 213 hours since the fire broke out on a hill in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong, at 3:26 p.m. on the 21st. The affected area of this wildfire is 1,858 hectares, equivalent to 2,602 soccer fields.
After the initial outbreak, the forestry authorities issued a 'Level 3 wildfire alert' and began firefighting efforts. However, due to strong winds, the fire expanded, spreading to nearby Okjong-myeon, Hadong on the 23rd, and Sugok-myeon, Jinju on the 25th. On the 26th, the flames crossed the ridge of Gugoksan in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong, carried by the wind, and spread to part of Jirisan National Park.
The wildfire in Jirisan affected an area of 123 hectares, which is relatively small compared to the total damage area. However, the rugged terrain, vegetation, and strong winds hindered the firefighters' efforts.
During the firefighting process, it rained twice, but the accumulated rainfall was less than 1 mm, providing little assistance.
As the wildfire prolonged, casualties and property damage followed. Four wildfire firefighters and officials from Changnyeong-gun who were trapped by the flames during firefighting operations died, and ten others sustained serious or minor injuries. A total of 2,158 people were displaced, and 84 facilities, including 28 houses, 2 factories, and 2 religious facilities, were damaged.
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