Wildfire in Samcheok, Gangwon-do, Extinguished After About 2 Hours

A forest fire broke out around 2:11 PM on the 30th in Tangok-ri, Gagok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon Province. Smoke is rising from the forest fire site. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The wildfire in Samcheok, Gangwon Province was extinguished in just over two hours.

According to the Central Wildfire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service on the 30th, the wildfire occurred around 2:11 PM near Tangok-ri, Gagok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon Province.

After the wildfire broke out, the Korea Forest Service urgently deployed eight wildfire suppression helicopters and 160 ground personnel to the site, completing the main fire extinguishment around 3:53 PM.

The wildfire is estimated to have started near the forest and spread to the nearby hills.

Currently, the Korea Forest Service is investigating the exact cause of the wildfire and the extent of the damage.

Ko Rak-sam, head of the Central Wildfire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service, said, “Even a wildfire caused by minor negligence can result in the perpetrator facing up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. We urge residents near forests and hikers to refrain from using fire when entering the mountains to prevent wildfires during dry weather.”

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