On March 22, 2025, Daegu faced a significant challenge as two forest fires broke out within hours of each other, leading to considerable damage and evacuation measures for local residents.
The first fire erupted at 10:08 AM in Gukwoo-dong, Buk-gu, and rapidly burned through 0.5 hectares of forest land. Forestry authorities acted promptly, deploying 7 helicopters, 33 vehicles, and 169 personnel to tackle the flames. By 11:30 AM, the firefighting efforts were successful, successfully extinguishing the main blaze in just over an hour.
In light of the situation, the Buk-gu district office issued a safety alert message at 10:56 AM, advising nearby residents and hikers to evacuate to safe locations due to concerns about the fire spreading. "Because there are concerns about the spread of the forest fire, we advise nearby residents and hikers to evacuate to a safe location," they stated.
Just a few hours later, at 1:06 PM, another fire ignited on a mountain in Uksu-dong, Suseong-gu, leading to further alarm in the region. This blaze was more extensive, affecting approximately 1.5 hectares of forested area. Once again, forestry authorities sprang into action, using 5 helicopters, alongside 19 pieces of equipment and around 50 personnel to combat the flames.
The extent of the firefighting operations reflects the seriousness of the fire situation. By 4:40 PM, authorities confirmed they had gained control over the Uksu-dong fire, although monitoring of the area continued to ensure complete safety and that no hotspots remained unaddressed.
No casualties from either fire were reported, a positive note amid the circumstances. The proactive measures taken by the local governments of both Buk-gu and Suseong-gu were crucial in protecting life and mitigating danger.
In the aftermath, reports indicated that safety messages had been effectively communicated to local residents and outdoor enthusiasts. The two districts issued disaster messages to inform people about the fires, advising them to avoid the affected areas. Authorities strongly recommended against entering the mountains until it was deemed safe again.
As the community begins to assess the impact of these fires, forestry authorities are currently investigating the causes of the incidents. Understanding what triggered the fires will be essential in preventing future occurrences, especially with the ongoing risks associated with dry conditions or other environmental factors.
This series of events has raised awareness about forest fire safety in the region, highlighting the importance of readiness and rapid response by firefighting teams and local authorities. With the fire season continuing, residents are reminded to stay informed and heed any safety advisories.
As the affected areas in Daegu move towards recovery, local officials emphasize the need for vigilance and caution among residents, particularly those living near wooded regions, suggesting that community engagement and education could play vital roles in fire prevention efforts going forward.
Reports on the environmental damage from these fires are being collected, and further updates on the investigations will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents can expect ongoing communication from their local government regarding forest fire safety initiatives and resources for staying safe during wildfire season.
