A forest fire in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, has been difficult to control due to high winds, spreading rapidly since its onset on the night of June 21.
A forest fire in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, erupted late on the night of June 21, quickly spreading due to powerful winds. As of the latest reports, fire-fighting efforts have been ongoing for over 12 hours, with the affected area measuring approximately 26 hectares. Rescue teams reported that 1.58 kilometers of the fire line remains active, with a containment rate currently at only 28%. Authorities have categorized the fire response at 'Level 1', indicating that the affected area falls between 10 and 100 hectares. To combat the fire, about 179 personnel, along with 23 ground vehicles and 22 helicopters, have been deployed. However, the situation remains challenging due to average wind speeds of 5.8 meters per second and the steep slopes of the terrain complicating firefighting efforts. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed casualties reported thus far, although local authorities have sent out disaster safety messages to residents. Initially, 32 residents were evacuated from the area, and currently, 19 individuals are taking refuge at the village hall as fire-fighting and monitoring continue.
