Level 2 Response Issued for Buk-gu, Daegu Wildfire
Ko Kidong Orders Preemptive Measures and All-Out Response
Authorities Mobilize Equipment and Personnel for Early Containment
As the wildfire that broke out in Buk-gu, Daegu continued to spread and the response level was raised to Level 2, Ko Kidong, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (acting Minister of the Interior and Safety), called for an all-out response.
On April 28, Ko issued an emergency directive, stating, "Given that this is an urban-type wildfire, we must take preemptive measures as a top priority to prevent any loss of life or property. This includes the advance evacuation of vulnerable groups, preparing residents in areas at risk of wildfire impact for evacuation, carrying out immediate evacuations in a timely manner, and establishing firebreaks around private homes and facilities."
The wildfire, which started at San 12, Nogok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu at 2:00 p.m. on April 28, has been spreading rapidly due to dry weather conditions and strong winds. The wildfire response was raised to Level 1 at 3:10 p.m. and then to Level 2 at around 3:40 p.m. Wildfire response Level 2 is issued when the expected damage area is between 50 and 100 hectares.
Ko also stated, "The Korea Forest Service, National Fire Agency, National Police Agency, Daegu City, and Buk-gu, Daegu must mobilize all available equipment and personnel as quickly as possible to ensure an all-out effort for early wildfire suppression. In particular, please pay special attention to the safety of firefighting personnel, including the special wildfire suppression teams and local government officials, during suppression operations."
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