Miryang Wildfire Enters Third Day, 73% Contained... Dry Air and Wind Hamper Main Fire Suppression

Nighttime firefighting operations were conducted to extinguish the wildfire that broke out on May 31 in Bubuk-myeon, Miryang-si, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The wildfire that broke out on May 31 in Bubuk-myeon, Miryang-si, Gyeongnam, has been ongoing for three days.

According to the Korea Forest Service Central Wildfire Response Headquarters, the wildfire containment rate reached 73% as of 1:30 PM on the 2nd, and the remaining fire line is estimated to have decreased to about 3.8 km.

A total of 53 firefighting helicopters and 2,452 personnel have been deployed, working around the clock with full effort; however, due to continuous dry weather and shifting wind directions, the fire reignited overnight and spread toward the northern Oksan-ri area, expanding the wildfire-affected area to 692 hectares.

There has been no facility destruction or casualties due to protection of facilities and evacuation of residents, but the damage scale is currently estimated to be equivalent to about 969 soccer fields.

An official from the response headquarters said, “Firefighting personnel are stationed near facilities such as houses, institutions, and power transmission lines to protect them from wildfire damage,” and added, “With all personnel including 552 military forces and all aerial and ground equipment mobilized, the goal is to extinguish the main fire within today.”

Deputy Head of the Response Headquarters Nam Taeheon said, “Due to the spring drought, the entire country is in a dry state, so even a small spark can spread into a large wildfire,” and urged, “Please refrain from handling fire near forested areas and show interest and participation in wildfire prevention.”

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