The forest fire incidents that occurred in South Korea's Gimhae and Ulsan regions over the weekend have raised significant concerns among local residents and authorities alike. With the authorities working tirelessly to extinguish the flames and assess the damage, the situation remains dire.
According to reports, on March 22, 2025, at around 2 PM, a fire broke out in Angol-ri, located within Hanlim-myeon of Gimhae city. This fire quickly spread, prompting the local forestry agency to issue a level 1 forest fire alert just two and a half hours later, at 4:30 PM, once it became clear that the estimated damage area would exceed 50 hectares. In a parallel incident, another fire ignited in Unhwa-ri, Onyang-eup, Ulju-gun at around 12:12 PM the same day, and both incidents have spurred full-scale firefighting efforts across the regions.
The Gimhae forest fire saw a rapid mobilization of resources, with a total of 10 firefighting helicopters, 524 personnel, and 40 firefighting vehicles deployed to combat the flames. By 11 AM on March 23, authorities reported a 76% containment rate for the Gimhae blaze, with operations focusing on a remaining 1.2 kilometers of the 5 km fire line. Approximately 90 hectares of forest have been affected by this fire. Notably, 148 residents from 98 households were evacuated to the Sannara Jeonma-eul Hall and Hana Jeonma-eul Hall for their safety.
According to the Central Disaster Management Headquarters of the Forestry Agency, the current efforts in Gimhae have been met with some success, as 3.8 km of the fire line has been successfully extinguished. The cause of the Gimhae fire is believed to stem from a man in his 60s who was burning trash near a mountain, inadvertently igniting the surrounding area, though this information is still under investigation.
As for the fire in Ulju, firefighting efforts have also been vigorous. By the same time on March 23, authorities reported a containment rate of 70%. Firefighting resources deployed include 12 helicopters, 2,241 personnel, and 56 firefighting vehicles, aiming to protect a larger area estimated at 115 hectares. Of a total fire line measuring 13.2 kilometers, 9.2 km has been contained, while operations continue on the remaining 4 km section.
Encouragingly, 76 evacuated residents from 68 households in the Ulju region were reported to be returning home as progress continued to be made in containing the flames. An estimated 98 households were evacuated in Gimhae, with residents still under precaution until the fires are fully extinguished.
As of the latest updates, the 2025 wildfires highlight the challenges in managing forest fires amid unpredictable conditions. Local governments, in collaboration with forestry officials and emergency personnel, are pressing forward with their efforts to control and extinguish the blazes while ensuring the safety of affected residents.
"We will mobilize all available aerial and ground firefighting resources to focus on extinguishing the main fire and preventing loss of life and property," stated a spokesperson from the Central Disaster Management Headquarters, reaffirming their commitment to tackling the flames effectively.
People living in the proximity of both fire locations are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed warnings as firefighting operations are ongoing. As the situation develops, local residents are in the minds of authorities who are keeping a close watch for any changes in the fire status.
This recent outbreak of forest fires serves as a stark reminder of the seasonal risks associated with dry conditions and the urgent need for proactive measures in forest fire management. With substantial efforts already underway, authorities hope to mitigate further damage and protect both the environment and communities affected by these wildfires.
