A wildfire that started in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, four days ago, continues to rage, rapidly spreading to Okjong-myeon, Hadong-gun, due to strong winds. As of 6 PM on the 24th, 814 residents from 468 households across 10 villages in Okjong-myeon, Hadong-gun, have been urgently evacuated to safety. Evacuation shelters have been set up in eight locations, including Okcheongwan (Multipurpose Center) and Okjong Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Some residents are staying with relatives.

Residents are expressing anxiety and fatigue. A 70-year-old resident of Angye Village said, "I never thought the wildfire would spread to our village. I just hope my house is safe." Another resident, who has been staying at a shelter for three days, expressed difficulties, saying, "I don't know when I can return home, I'm anxious, and I can't sleep properly."

The wildfire has spread rapidly due to strong westerly winds and the "firebrand phenomenon," where embers are carried by the wind to start new fires. Firefighting efforts, including helicopter operations, have been concentrated in Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, making it difficult to control the fire in Hadong. At one point, the wildfire threatened to engulf the firefighting command center at the Duryang Village Hall.

The fire has destroyed the management building of Dubangjae, a national heritage site, and damaged a ginkgo tree in Duryang-ri, a Gyeongsangnam-do monument. A vinyl greenhouse-type warehouse was also completely burned down. Fortunately, there have been no casualties.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has declared Hadong-gun, which suffered significant damage from the wildfire, a special disaster area.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]