A mountain fire erupted on Hamjisan Mountain in Nogok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, at 2:01 PM on April 28, 2025, creating a hazardous situation for local residents and hikers. The fire quickly spread from the mountain towards the nearby residential area of Joya-dong, prompting immediate action from firefighting authorities.
In response to the growing threat, fire and forestry authorities deployed a significant number of resources to combat the blaze. This included 11 helicopters, 29 vehicles, and over 90 personnel. Initially, the firefighting efforts faced challenges due to strong winds blowing from the northwest at a speed of 3.3 meters per second, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
According to reports from the Daegu Fire Department, the fire was first detected around 2 PM, and by 2:15 PM, the Buk-gu Office had issued a disaster text message prohibiting access to the mountain. Just a few minutes later, at 2:22 PM, residents and hikers were advised to evacuate to designated safe locations, including Paldal Elementary School and Maecheon Elementary School.
As the fire continued to expand, smoke became visible across various parts of the city, leading to multiple erroneous reports of fires originating from local factories, particularly in the Nowon-dong area. Authorities confirmed that the smoke was indeed a result of the mountain fire, and they worked to clarify the situation to prevent panic.
By 3:04 PM, the Buk-gu Office had sent out another alert urging hikers to evacuate to safe areas and advised residents near the forested regions of Seobyeok-dong to prepare for possible evacuation. The situation escalated further as traffic was blocked on both directions of the Bukdaegu IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway, complicating access for emergency services.
Despite the extensive firefighting efforts, including the mobilization of 11 helicopters and numerous vehicles, initial attempts to contain the fire were unsuccessful. The flames continued to threaten residential areas, leading to heightened concerns among local officials and residents alike.
As of the latest updates, there have been no reported casualties related to the fire, which has been a relief to the community. Local police deployed 100 officers to the site to assist with traffic control and support the evacuation of residents, ensuring their safety as the situation developed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials working diligently to determine how the blaze began. The rapid spread of the flames has raised alarms about the potential for future incidents, especially given the dry conditions and strong winds that have been prevalent in the area.
Residents have expressed their concerns about the fire's impact on their community, with many grateful for the quick response from emergency services. The situation has highlighted the importance of preparedness and rapid action in the face of natural disasters.
As the firefighting efforts continue, the community remains on alert, with local authorities monitoring the situation closely. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels.
The events of April 28, 2025, serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and the critical need for effective emergency response systems. As Daegu faces this challenge, the resilience of its community shines through, with residents coming together to support one another in these trying times.