A wildfire that broke out in Yangyang County, Gangwon, spread overnight, prompting the issuance of response level 1.
According to the forestry and fire authorities, the wildfire started at about 6:12 p.m. on the 22nd on a low mountain in Seorim-ri, Seomyeon, Yangyang County. The fire line length was identified as 1.9 kilometers, of which 0.85 kilometers have been contained. As of 4 a.m. on the 23rd, the containment rate was 45%, and the wildfire-affected area reached 14 hectares (ha).
As the wildfire-affected area exceeded 10 ha, the authorities issued response level 1 at 4 a.m. that day. Response level 1 applies when the expected damage area is at least 10 ha but less than 50 ha.
The authorities are carrying out nighttime suppression operations by deploying 97 fire engines and 339 personnel. However, they are facing difficulties due to the steep terrain and strong winds. On site, a south-southwesterly wind is blowing at an average speed of about 8.5 meters per second.
With sunrise, the authorities plan to sequentially deploy 25 wildfire suppression helicopters to begin containment.
When the wildfire broke out, Yangyang County sent an emergency text message at about 7:35 p.m. the previous day to residents in nearby areas, including Seorim-ri, Galcheon, and Songcheon, instructing them to evacuate to village halls and other locations.