Uljin Wildfire Containment Rate at 80%... Korea Forest Service Chief Aims to Extinguish Main Fire Today

Photo of Nam Seong-hyun, Director of the Korea Forest Service, briefing Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, which has continued for two days, has reached an 80% containment rate, and it is expected that the main fire can be extinguished by today.

On the morning of the 29th, Nam Seong-hyun, head of the Korea Forest Service, said in a briefing at the wildfire command center of the Southern Regional Forest Service Uljin National Forest Management Office in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, "The containment rate was 65% at 5 a.m. and has increased to 80% as of 9 a.m. Since there was no wind in the morning, if we put all our efforts into extinguishing the fire, we believe the main fire can be put out today."

He added, "In the afternoon, winds of about 10 m/s and gusts are expected. There are rocky areas at the wildfire site, so even if helicopters extinguish the fire, ground crews need to complete the work, which poses difficulties."

Currently, the Korea Forest Service, Gyeongbuk Province, Uljin County, fire departments, and military units are dividing the wildfire area into 18 sections and are responsible for extinguishing each section.

Regarding the cause of the wildfire, Director Nam explained, "It is presumed that sparks flew from welding work at a construction site and were carried into the mountain."

When asked why the firefighting is faster than during the Uljin wildfire in March, he said, "In spring, there were wildfire situations nationwide, limiting helicopter operations, but this time, helicopters, equipment, and personnel from across the country have been mobilized, making it relatively easier than in March."

Regarding the reason for frequent large wildfires in Uljin, he emphasized, "Nationwide dry weather has continued, and due to soil and climate effects, Uljin has many native pine trees, which is one reason. When restoring, scientific reforestation policies should be implemented by consulting experts, residents, and forest owners."

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