A fire broke out in the mountainous region of Unhwa-ri, Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, on March 22, 2025, at precisely 12:12 PM, causing widespread alarm among residents and local authorities. As the flames quickly spread, efforts to contain the fire escalated, bringing together an extensive team of firefighting personnel and aerial support.
According to reports from the Ulsan Fire Department, as of 3:30 PM, a total of 457 individuals were mobilized for firefighting efforts. This team included firefighters, public officials, and police officers, all working diligently to extinguish the flames. Additionally, seven helicopters were deployed by the Forest Service and local authorities, alongside 35 ground firefighting apparatuses, showcasing the urgency of the situation.
The response to the fire was not just a matter of extinguishing flames but also involved strategic evacuations. Due to the severity of the fire, traffic was restricted on the Yangbanghyang road near the Onsan interchange of the Busan-Ulsan Expressway. Approximately 80 residents from 36 households in Yangdal Village and 10 households in Donteo Village had to evacuate to Gyeongrodang, a local community center.
Estimates indicate that the fire caused damage over an area of approximately 35 hectares, raising concerns about the environmental impact and potential risks to the community. By 5 PM on the same day, firefighting efforts had managed to largely contain the blaze spreading towards Yangdal Village; however, challenges remained for firefighters who were still combating flames that were advancing towards the nearby Daeunsan area.
This incident has drawn the attention of national authorities, with the Forest Service issuing a response alert at around 3:30 PM, declaring the national wildfire disaster alert to the 'Warning' and 'Serious' levels. This heightened alert is a reflection of the concern over potentially widespread damage caused by wildfires across the country.
As the community, alongside responders, faced these challenges, there’s a sense of urgency to not only recover from this incident but to prepare for future challenges. Authorities are likely to assess the environmental damage and plan accordingly for future fire prevention strategies.
The swift mobilization of resources and personnel underscored the seriousness of the wildfire incident in Ulsan, reflecting a proactive stance in dealing with emergencies. There remains a collective hope for the community's swift recovery and a shared responsibility to ensure safety in the face of natural hazards.
