Daegu Forest Fire Prompts Evacuations And Emergency Response

A forest fire erupted on Hamjisan Mountain in Buk-gu, Daegu, on April 28, 2025, leading to a rapid response from local authorities. The blaze began at 2:01 PM and quickly spread toward residential areas, prompting the Korea Forest Service to issue a Level 2 forest fire alert just over an hour later.

According to reports from the Daegu Fire Safety Headquarters, the fire originated approximately 2 kilometers from the Joya-dong residential area. As the flames spread, the response level was escalated due to strong winds, measured at 3.3 meters per second, which exacerbated the situation. Firefighters faced challenges as the flames extended over a 3.7-kilometer front.

By 3:10 PM, the Central Accident Control Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service had upgraded the response from Level 1 to Level 2, deploying 20 helicopters, 38 pieces of firefighting equipment, and 165 personnel to combat the fire. The affected area was estimated to be around 36 hectares, with no casualties reported at the time.

As the situation intensified, the Buk-gu Office issued an evacuation order for residents in Joya-dong and Nogok-dong at 2:56 PM, advising them to seek shelter at nearby Paldal Elementary School and Maecheon Elementary School. This was followed by a notification at 3:04 PM urging hikers on Hamjisan Mountain to evacuate immediately and avoid descending toward the affected areas.

The police also took action by deploying multiple traffic patrol cars and eight mobile units to manage the situation and control access to the area. A text alert was sent out at 2:14 PM, prohibiting entry to the mountain and warning nearby residents and hikers to be cautious of potential safety hazards.

As the fire continued to rage, authorities emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents in the Seobyeok-dong area to prepare for possible evacuation. The Korea Expressway Corporation announced that starting at 4 PM, entry and exit to the North Daegu IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway would be closed to facilitate firefighting efforts.

Firefighting efforts were complicated by strong winds, with an average speed of 3 meters per second and gusts reaching up to 11 meters per second. The combination of dry conditions, with temperatures around 24.4 degrees Celsius and relative humidity at 22%, created a precarious situation for firefighters.

As of the latest updates, no injuries had been reported, but the fire's proximity to residential areas raised alarms among local officials. The Buk-gu Office had been proactive in communicating with residents, sending out multiple alerts throughout the afternoon.

Firefighters remained on high alert, closely monitoring the fire's progression and adjusting their strategies as necessary. The forest service indicated that they were working diligently to locate the exact point of ignition, as visibility was hampered by smoke and dense conditions.

Local authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders and safety instructions to mitigate risks associated with the ongoing fire. The community's cooperation was deemed essential in ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing potential damage.

In summary, the forest fire on Hamjisan Mountain has prompted a swift and coordinated response from emergency services, with ongoing efforts to control the blaze, protect lives, and safeguard property. As the situation develops, authorities are committed to keeping the public informed and safe.