Wildfire Suppression Difficult in Uljin and Samcheok... Full Effort to Block Main Fire in 'Geumgang Pine Forest'

The wildfire impact area is extensive and the main fire is intense... Suppression rate at 75%

Aerial Fire Retardant Drop to Protect Geumgang Pine Forest Colony [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As the wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk and Samcheok, Gangwon continues for a week, spreading toward the Geumgang Pine forest and Eungbongsan, authorities are struggling to control the main fire.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Choi Byung-am, head of the Korea Forest Service, said at a briefing, "There were some successes in calming certain fire areas," but added, "The Geumgang Pine forest still remains at risk."

He continued, "Embers are entering and hiding in various places, and rocks heated by the fire are rolling down, posing danger," explaining, "The terrain is rugged and rocky, so it takes time to respond immediately."

Authorities deployed 81 helicopters, 336 ground firefighting equipment units, and 3,528 personnel that day, but were unable to completely extinguish the flames.

Although specialized firefighting teams, ground equipment, and drones were fully mobilized the previous day achieving a 75% containment rate, the flames approached within about 300 meters of the core Geumgang Pine area.

Authorities plan to extinguish the fire within this week, citing the wide affected area, rugged terrain, and strong fire force from the west. They expect the flames to be controlled during the upcoming holiday due to a forecast of rain.

The affected area of this wildfire has expanded to 19,993 hectares (Uljin 18,484 hectares, Samcheok 1,509 hectares).

A total of 460 locations, including 287 houses, were burned, and 385 residents were evacuated.

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