Wildfire in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do... 7 Helicopters Deployed for Suppression (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] At around 3:52 PM on the 23rd, a wildfire presumed to have been caused by the burning of agricultural residues broke out in Hwacheon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province, and the forestry authorities are currently extinguishing it.

The forestry authorities, together with the fire department, have deployed seven firefighting helicopters, 15 fire trucks, and 166 firefighters to put out the fire. As of 5:30 PM, the containment rate is 60%.

Hongcheon-gun sent a disaster alert message stating, "There is a risk of the wildfire spreading to nearby areas, so local residents are advised to evacuate to safe zones."

The area where the fire broke out is experiencing winds of 5 to 6 meters per second, and the presence of logging debris is making firefighting efforts difficult. Currently, a dry weather advisory and strong wind advisory are in effect in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon.

The forestry authorities plan to complete the main fire extinguishing before sunset and investigate the exact damage area and cause.

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