As a wildfire that broke out in the Seosan area of South Chungcheong spread due to strong winds, authorities are struggling to contain it.
According to the South Chungcheong Fire Headquarters on the 21st, at about 1:35 p.m., a wildfire broke out in a low mountain near Daejuk-ri, Daesan-eup, Seosan, prompting fire and forestry authorities to begin suppression efforts.
Near the site of the wildfire is the Daejuk Resource Stockpiling Industrial Complex, the nation's largest national petroleum stockpiling base.
The Seosan Fire Station and forestry authorities issued response level 1, deploying nine helicopters, about 30 firefighting vehicles, and about 100 personnel. However, it was reported to be difficult to get the flames under control due to strong winds.
Accordingly, at about 4:09 p.m. the same day, the Seosan Fire Station raised the alert to response level 2, mobilizing all available equipment from its jurisdiction and neighboring fire stations to block the flames from spreading into the industrial complex.
Due to the wildfire, traffic is also being restricted on National Route 29 around Daejuk-ri, Daesan-eup.
A wildfire also broke out at about 2:22 p.m. in Songseok-ri, Daesul-myeon, Yesan.
Fire and forestry authorities issued response level 1 at 3:30 p.m., deploying 12 helicopters, 65 suppression equipment units, and about 130 personnel to extinguish the fire.
According to the Korea Forest Service, the flames are spreading along a 3-kilometer fire line, and the affected area is estimated at about 24 hectares. The current containment rate is 10%.
Seosan city and Yesan county have banned entry to mountains near the fires and sent text alerts advising village residents to evacuate to safe places such as senior centers and community halls.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast that from the afternoon, the area would see strong winds with instantaneous speeds of 20 meters per second, and 25 meters per second in highlands.