On the 26th, the forestry authorities elevated the response level for the forest fire that occurred in Inje County from level 1 to level 2.
On the same day at around 1:18 p.m., a forest fire broke out near Hanam-ri in Sangnam-myeon, Inje County. The Korea Forest Service issued a level 1 forest fire alert, and when the flames could not be contained, the response level was raised to level 2. A level 2 forest fire is issued when the expected damage area is less than 50 to 100 hectares.
The forestry and firefighting authorities are conducting firefighting operations by deploying 19 helicopters, aiming to extinguish the fire before sunset.
At 3:39 p.m., Inje County issued disaster text messages advising nearby residents to evacuate to the gymnasium of Girin Elementary School, the gymnasium of Girin Middle and High School, the Girin Indoor Gymnasium, and the Girin Administration and Welfare Center.
Nearby Yangyang County, Sokcho City, and Goseong County also sent disaster text messages advising residents to prepare for evacuation.
The road authorities are fully blocking traffic in both directions on the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway from Naechon IC to Yangyang TG and are diverting traffic to national roads.