255ha Burned in Consecutive Wildfires in Andong, Yecheon, and Yeongju... Evacuation Orders for Residents Enter Second Day

Forest area equivalent to 357 soccer fields burned... As of the morning of the 22nd, containment rate about 30% in Andong, 60% in Yecheon

On the 21st, a fire of unknown cause broke out in a mountain area in Imdong-myeon, Andong-si, and the flames are spreading. (Provided by Korea Forest Service)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] It has been reported that a total of 255 hectares of forest, equivalent to 357 soccer fields, were burned in a series of wildfires that occurred in Andong, Yecheon, and Yeongju, Gyeongbuk Province.

According to the Gyeongbuk Provincial Fire and Safety Headquarters and the cities of Andong and Yecheon on the 22nd, the damage from the wildfires that broke out consecutively the previous day currently amounts to 200 hectares (2 million square meters) in Andong, 50 hectares (500,000 square meters) in Yecheon, and 5 hectares (50,000 square meters) in Yeongju. Considering that the area of one soccer field is generally calculated as 7,140 square meters, this corresponds to approximately 357 soccer fields.

From the morning of the 22nd, firefighting operations using helicopters resumed at the wildfire sites. As of 7 a.m., the containment rate was about 30% in Andong and 60% in Yecheon. No casualties have been reported so far, but most nearby residents spent the night sleeplessly.

In Andong, the wildfire that started around 3:20 p.m. the previous day on a hill in Mangcheon-ri, Imdong-myeon, spread to the surrounding area. A Level 2 response was issued, and evacuation orders were given to residents in the area.

Forest authorities, Andong city, and others have deployed 14 firefighting helicopters, 20 fire trucks, 19 special firefighting personnel, as well as about 800 officials and firefighters to carry out firefighting operations. The fire also spread to the nearby Gyeongbuk Fire Academy and Imdong Middle School the previous day, but no significant damage has been reported.

On the same day, around 4:12 p.m., a fire broke out on a hill in Jeunggeori, Gamcheon-myeon, Yecheon County.

At this location as well, a Level 1 response was issued due to the wildfire spreading with the wind, and firefighting authorities ordered residents not only in Yecheon but also in the Jangsu-myeon area of Yeongju, adjacent to the wildfire, to evacuate.

Meanwhile, since 8:50 p.m. the previous night, Gyeongbuk Province has taken over on-site command from each city and county to control the situation. The wildfire command centers were established at 446 Sugok-ri, Imdong-myeon, Andong City, and 125 Yuri, Gamcheon-myeon, Yecheon County.

On the 21st, a fire of unknown cause broke out in a mountain area in Imdong-myeon, Andong-si, and the flames are spreading.

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