Wildfire Emergency on Baegunsan in Gwangyang... Level 1 Response Issued

All-Out Firefighting Efforts with Six Helicopters Deployed
Residents of Four Nearby Villages Evacuated

At 3:02 PM on the 21st, a fire broke out at Baegunsan Mountain in Okgok-myeon, Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do, and the fire and forestry authorities are conducting firefighting operations. Provided by Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters

A wildfire broke out on the slopes of Baegunsan Mountain in Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do, prompting fire authorities to issue Level 1 emergency response and begin firefighting efforts. As the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, evacuation orders were issued for residents of nearby villages.

According to the Korea Forest Service and the Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters, a report was received at around 3:31 PM on January 21st that a fire had started on a hillside in Okgok-myeon, Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do.

Authorities urgently deployed six helicopters, about 20 pieces of equipment, and 42 firefighting personnel to the scene to contain the wildfire. The 'Level 1 response,' which mobilizes all personnel from the local fire station, was also declared, with authorities making every effort to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The fire is believed to have started when a blaze from a nearby house was carried by strong winds into the hillside.

Currently, a dry weather advisory is in effect for the Gwangyang area, and strong winds are making firefighting operations difficult.

In response, Gwangyang City sent out an emergency disaster text message, instructing residents of Jeomteo, Myeongju, Singi, and Samjon villages in Okgok-myeon to evacuate immediately to the Okgok-myeon Community Center.

The forest authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the fire and the area of damage as soon as the main blaze is brought under control.