Forest Fire Near Jokduribong, Bukhansan, Seoul... Major Blaze Contained (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] At around 11:48 a.m. on the 30th, a fire broke out near the 5th ridge of Jokturi Peak in Bukhansan, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, burning approximately 8,000㎡ of forest. The fire department managed to control the main flames by around 2:32 p.m., about 2 hours and 40 minutes later.

When the fire started, the fire authorities evacuated all hikers and others on Bukhansan, confirming that no civilians remained on the mountain.

The fire site is only about 300 meters away from apartments where residents live, but the flames did not spread toward the residential area.

There were no reported casualties, and a total of 611 personnel were mobilized for firefighting efforts, including 140 firefighters, 220 district office staff, 60 police officers, 70 military personnel, 27 Korea Forest Service members, and 72 National Park Service staff.

Equipment deployed included 29 fire trucks, 6 police vehicles, totaling 63 vehicles, and 5 helicopters from the Korea Forest Service and fire department.

The fire department issued a 'Response Level 1' alarm, which mobilizes all personnel from the local fire station, at 12:38 p.m., 50 minutes after the fire was reported, and began responding.

Initially, 300㎡ was burned, but as the flames spread upward, the damaged area increased to 8,000㎡.

The National Fire Agency stated, "Since the wind is not strong, there is little risk of the fire rapidly expanding," adding, "The fire near the 5th ridge has been extinguished, but there are still smoldering spots near the 7th and 8th ridges, which are being extinguished."

The fire authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and the extent of property damage.

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