Emergency Evacuations Ordered As Uiseong Fire Spreads

A mountain fire in North Gyeongsang Province has wreaked havoc across several regions, prompting the evacuation of residents in Pohang City following its rapid expansion toward inhabited areas.

On March 25, 2025, at around 10 PM, Pohang City issued emergency evacuation orders due to a significant mountain fire that began in Uiseong-gun and has since spread to Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok, threatening nearby communities. Residents in the northern part of the city, particularly those in Jukjang-myeon, were instructed to evacuate immediately as the fire approached their localities. This proactive measure came as reports indicated that the fire could potentially spread to densely populated areas.

The emergency alert messages guided residents of Haksa-ri and Sangsa-ri in Buk-gu, Jukjang-myeon to evacuate to the Jukjang-myeon Welfare Center, while Haeok-ri residents were directed to the Sangok-ri Senior Citizen Center. By following these instructions, officials hoped to minimize potential risks posed by the encroaching flames.

In addition to the evacuation orders, local authorities also reported that train operations along the Jungang Line, covering about 100 kilometers from Yeongju to Yeongcheon, were suspended due to the fire's dangers. Even train services on the Donghae Line between Donghae and Pohang were halted as a precautionary measure as the fire spread rapidly.

As of 11 PM, Highway No. 7 leading from Songra-myeon, Jigyeong Samgeo-ri towards Yeongdeok was under strict traffic control to ensure the safety of residents and emergency response teams. A notable response effort involved alerts being distributed to all residents in affected areas, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared for further evacuations if necessary.

Reports indicate that forest fires can rapidly escalate during nighttime hours, complicating firefighting efforts. Consequently, fire authorities, alongside officials from Pohang City, were monitoring the situation closely, remaining on high alert to prevent further damage as the fire continued to spread fueled by strong winds.

In the afternoon of the same day, reports noted that smoke billowed above the mountains, indicating the fire’s presence in surrounding regions, including Yeongyang and Yeongdeok. Evacuation orders were swiftly issued there as well, with the local governments dispatching emergency messages to residents in areas most likely to be impacted by the fire.

The situation is dire as resident distress grows due to the existing fire threat. Community members have reported fear regarding their homes and safety, prompting the city to hasten its evacuation procedures. As part of this effort, over 1,300 residents across multiple counties have already evacuated, with local governments emphasizing the seriousness of the situation through disaster safety texts issued throughout the day.

By approximately 10:03 PM, several additional safety alerts were sent to residents, detailing specific evacuation instructions. Officials urged citizens in areas earmarked for possible direct damage to take the authorities’ warnings seriously and to follow all provided evacuation plans without delay to ensure their safety.

The recent fires have underscored the urgency for preventive measures in forestry management and community planning to mitigate the impact of wildfires. Authorities have pointed out that the quick responses shown by local governments and efforts made in engaging the public through safety alerts highlight the critical need for future improvements in preparedness resources.

As officials called for all community members to remain attentive and to monitor additional updates from the local authorities, many in Pohang remained hopeful but anxious about the potential consequences of the advancing wildfire. The cooperation between local fire departments and city officials has been remarkable thus far, but ensuring each resident is safely evacuated remains the top priority amid a backdrop of destruction and chaos.