Hamyang-gun Wildfire 37% Contained... 51 Helicopters Deployed at Sunrise in All-out Response

As of 5:00 a.m., February 23, 2026
All-out efforts to contain the spread amid dry weather and mountainous terrain... 167 residents urgently evacuated, no casualties reported

The wildfire that broke out in Hamyang-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, was estimated to be 37% contained as of 5:00 a.m. on February 23. At sunrise, the forestry authorities began full-scale aerial firefighting operations by deploying 51 helicopters to the scene.

The Korea Forest Service announced that starting from 7:00 a.m. that day, a total of 51 helicopters, including those operated by the Korea Forest Service, fire authorities, and local governments, were deployed sequentially to fight the wildfire. On the ground, 105 fire engines and 603 firefighting personnel have been mobilized, continuing overnight suppression efforts.

Photo of wildfire scene in Machyeon-myeon, Hamyang-gun

The firefighting operation has been hampered by dry weather and mountainous terrain. In particular, during the night, with helicopter operations restricted, efforts focused on ground personnel building defensive lines to prevent further spread.

Along with suppressing the main fire, the forestry authorities are concentrating on blocking its spread toward residential areas. So far, no casualties have been reported, but 167 residents from villages near the fire line have been urgently evacuated to community centers and sports facilities. The authorities are maintaining an evacuation posture in preparation for the possibility of further spread.

An official from the Korea Forest Service stated, "We are aiming to bring the main fire under control within the morning by deploying as many available helicopters as possible from sunrise," adding, "To prepare for the variable of strong winds, ground personnel have also been intensively deployed to vulnerable locations."

The authorities plan to maintain an all-out response until the firefighting operation is fully completed, taking into account mop-up operations and measures to prevent re-ignition.