A large wildfire in Gyeongju, South Korea, was extinguished after approximately 20 hours of firefighting efforts, following the issuance of a National Fire Mobilization Order due to strong winds exacerbating the situation.
On July 7, a significant wildfire broke out in the Icheon-ri area of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, rapidly spreading due to strong winds. Despite overnight firefighting efforts, the blaze continued to grow, prompting the National Fire Agency to issue the first National Fire Mobilization Order on July 8 at 11:33 AM, about 14 hours after the fire started. The mobilization included equipment and personnel from five provinces, indicating the severity of the situation.
By the evening of July 8, officials reported that the main wildfire had been completely extinguished after it affected an area of approximately 54 hectares, which is equivalent to about 76 soccer fields. Firefighting teams faced challenges due to strong winds, which reached speeds of approximately 9.5 m/s, complicating efforts to contain the fire. Initial containment efforts saw a drop in progress from 60% to 23%, but following the mobilization order, containment increased to 85% by the afternoon.
Throughout the incident, local residents were affected, with 106 individuals evacuated to safety in community facilities. The rapid response from both local and national firefighting resources highlights the seriousness of wildfires in South Korea, particularly in regions prone to rapid spread due to environmental conditions. The aftermath of this incident may lead to further evaluations on fire management and preparedness strategies in the country.
