Hapcheon Wildfire Spreads to Goryeong, Gyeongbuk... Kim Boo-kyum Urges "Full Effort in Firefighting" (Comprehensive)

'Wildfire Level 3' Alert Issued

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] On the 28th, a wildfire that started in Yulgok-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam, spread to Ssangnim-myeon, Goryeong-gun, Gyeongbuk, and about 1,000 personnel including public officials and firefighters were deployed for nighttime wildfire suppression. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum urgently ordered to mobilize all available resources before sunset to fully focus on firefighting efforts.

On the 28th, although the forestry authorities deployed firefighting personnel even after sunset to suppress the wildfire, the situation remains difficult. The Fire Agency issued 'Mobilization Order No. 1' at 6:30 PM to mobilize firefighting forces from surrounding cities and provinces, and pump trucks and water tank trucks from five cities and provinces including Daegu, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Busan were deployed for suppression.

The forestry authorities stated, "We will strive to contain the spread through nighttime firefighting operations."

The wildfire that started at Notae Mountain in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam during the day spread to Goryeong, Gyeongbuk, leading to the declaration of the national crisis level 'Wildfire Stage 3.' Wildfire Stage 3 is declared by the Korea Forest Service when the expected damage area exceeds 100 hectares and the average wind speed reaches 10 m/s.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said, "Since the wildfire is rapidly spreading due to strong winds, ensure thorough evacuation of residents to prevent casualties," and urgently instructed, "Mobilize all available resources before sunset to fully focus on firefighting."

The Prime Minister urged, "The Korea Forest Service Director and the Fire Agency Commissioner should cooperate with local governments, police, and related agencies, mobilize firefighting personnel and equipment to the maximum extent, and do their best for prompt wildfire suppression," adding, "Prepare thoroughly for firefighting personnel and equipment in case the wildfire continues into the night, and ensure the safety of firefighting personnel."

Minister of the Interior and Safety Jeon Hae-cheol also ordered swift wildfire suppression and thorough protection of human safety. Minister Jeon instructed, "Forestry authorities, firefighting authorities, and local governments should quickly deploy all available resources to minimize damage," and "Establish thorough firebreaks and ensure residents in areas at risk of fire damage evacuate in advance."

He also requested, "Take preemptive measures such as evacuating residents in the residential areas of Sinchon-ri, Ssangnim-myeon, Goryeong-gun, where the wildfire is spreading, in preparation for nighttime firefighting," and emphasized, "Pay special attention to the safety of firefighting personnel to prevent casualties during nighttime firefighting operations."

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