At about 5:23 p.m. on the 20th, a fire broke out on a low mountain in Girin-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon. As the fire spread, Inje-gun issued an evacuation order to nearby residents. The government also said it would mobilize administrative resources so people can evacuate quickly and safely.
Inje-gun recommended preemptive evacuation via disaster text messages at 5:54 p.m. and 6:49 p.m., and as the fire spread afterward, it sent a safety disaster text at 7:53 p.m. guiding, "Regarding the wildfire around 542-1, Hyeon-ri, Girin-myeon, residents who preemptively evacuated are asked to evacuate to the Hyeon 1-ri senior center and the Girin indoor gymnasium."
In response, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an emergency directive, saying, "Local governments should mobilize the necessary administrative resources so residents in areas advised to evacuate can evacuate quickly and safely."
He added, "Prepare support measures for people with limited mobility and safety-vulnerable groups, and provide evacuated residents with accurate disaster information and the locations of shelters," and "Prepare sufficient shelters and emergency relief supplies to minimize inconvenience for evacuated residents."
Kim also emphasized to the Korea Forest Service, "Work with local governments, the National Fire Agency, and the Ministry of National Defense to secure necessary response supplies and do your utmost for early extinguishment," and "Also build firebreaks to block spread to adjacent areas and carry out advance maintenance in high-risk areas."
He also asked, "As prolonged firefighting is expected, please pay attention to the safety of firefighting personnel to prevent accidents."