Andong Wildfire Resurgence... Evacuation Order for Residents, Highway Control

[Asia Economy Reporter Koh Hyung-kwang]

A wildfire that broke out in Andong, Gyeongbuk, spread again due to strong winds, prompting evacuation orders for residents and the closure of some roads.

Korea Expressway Corporation restricted vehicle traffic in both directions on the Jungang Expressway section between Namandong IC and Seoandong IC at around 5:40 PM on the 25th. Vehicles passing through this area were requested to detour via national roads.

Andong City issued evacuation orders at around 3:20 PM for residents of Gohari and Danho 2-ri in Namhu-myeon, and at around 5:40 PM for residents of Murung-ri, Geomam-ri, and Gaegok-ri. Additionally, safety text messages were sent to residents and hikers in Gyepyeong-ri and Hoegok-ri of Pungsan-eup.

So far, about 100 hectares of forest land have burned, but the fire authorities reported no casualties or damage to private homes. The wildfire started on the afternoon of the 24th in a mountain area in Ingeum-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong City.

About 200 residents of Haari and Sangari in Namhu-myeon evacuated urgently to the village hall and youth training center the previous night but returned home as the flames subsided. However, from midday on the same day, the wildfire reignited with the strong winds and spread toward Gohari, Danho-ri, Murung-ri, and Geomam-ri in Namhu-myeon.

More than 20 firefighting helicopters, about 40 fire trucks, and approximately 1,000 firefighting personnel were deployed at the scene, but strong winds have made containment efforts difficult, according to reports.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.