‘Gyeongbuk Bonghwa Wildfire’ Korea Forest Service Issues Wildfire Level 2 Alert

A forest fire broke out in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk, and the forestry authorities are conducting firefighting operations. At the site, a 'Forest Fire Stage 2' alert was issued as of 2:50 PM. Provided by Korea Forest Service

[Asia Economy (Bonghwa) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] A forest fire broke out in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk, and the forestry authorities have begun firefighting efforts.

According to the Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service on the 5th, the fire occurred around 1:29 PM in Hwacheon-ri, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongbuk.

As of 2:50 PM, the forestry authorities issued a 'Forest Fire Level 2' alert to contain the spread of the fire. Upon issuing the Level 2 alert, the Bonghwa County Governor decided to deploy 100% of the firefighting helicopters from the jurisdictional and neighboring agencies, 100% of the firefighting personnel from the jurisdictional agencies, and 50% of the firefighting personnel from neighboring agencies to the site.

Currently, 17 firefighting helicopters including super-large helicopters (15 from forestry, 2 from fire department) and 153 firefighting personnel (90 from special forest fire suppression teams, 63 from fire department) are engaged in firefighting operations at the scene.

Im Sang-seop, Director of the Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service, said, "The Bonghwa forest fire is spreading due to strong winds (northwest wind) with gusts exceeding 10 m/s," and added, "Residents in the Bonghwa-gun area are urged to pay attention to disaster broadcasts announced by the forestry authorities and Bonghwa-gun."

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