Wildfire Erupts In Hadong-Gun Prompting Evacuations

On April 7, 2025, a wildfire erupted in Okjong-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam, prompting immediate evacuation orders for local residents. The fire began around 12:05 PM on a mountain in Hoesin-ri, drawing attention due to its proximity to a previous wildfire that had occurred in Sancheong just weeks earlier. As the flames spread, forestry authorities quickly mobilized resources to combat the blaze.

By 1:45 PM, the authorities issued a level 1 wildfire alert, which was escalated to level 2 by 3:30 PM, indicating that damage was expected to exceed 30 hectares. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to the deployment of 21 helicopters and 37 pieces of firefighting equipment, alongside approximately 390 personnel, including firefighters and public officials.

The fire's current length stands at 4.9 kilometers, with 1.9 kilometers successfully extinguished, resulting in a containment rate of 40%. As of 5:10 PM, the affected area was estimated at about 47 hectares. However, the firefighting efforts faced significant challenges due to strong winds, with average wind speeds reaching 4.6 meters per second and gusts peaking at 8 meters per second.

In the midst of the chaos, a man in his 70s suffered second-degree burns on both hands while attempting to extinguish the fire himself. He was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities believe that the fire may have ignited while he was using a pruning shear, as he was working in the area when the blaze started.

In response to the growing threat, Hadong-gun officials sent evacuation messages to residents of seven villages, including Sangchon, Jungchon, Wolho, and Goam. These residents were directed to seek shelter at designated evacuation centers, such as Okcheon Hall and Okjong High School. As of the latest reports, 326 residents had successfully evacuated.

Conditions have been exacerbated by dry weather and high winds, which have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Chief, Ko Ki-dong, emphasized the urgency of the situation, directing all available resources to be deployed for effective firefighting and to ensure the safety of residents. He urged teams to prioritize the establishment of firebreaks to prevent further damage.

Furthermore, the firefighting teams have faced difficulties in assessing the fire's progress due to smoke and rapidly changing wind directions. Local authorities reported that the initial firefighting efforts were hampered by these conditions, which made it challenging to gauge how much of the fire had been contained.

As the situation continues to develop, forestry officials remain vigilant, monitoring the fire's progress and adapting their strategies accordingly. The affected area, which is near the site of a previous Sancheong wildfire from March 21, 2025, has raised concerns about the potential for recurring incidents in the region.

Meanwhile, the firefighting efforts are ongoing, with additional resources being mobilized to combat the blaze effectively. The authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and firefighters as they work tirelessly to bring the situation under control.

As of the latest updates, the fire in Okjong-myeon remains a pressing concern for local authorities and residents alike. The community is coming together to support those affected, with shelters in place to accommodate evacuees. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response in the face of natural disasters, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.

With the dry conditions persisting, the risk of further wildfires remains a significant threat, prompting ongoing discussions about fire safety and prevention measures in the region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as the firefighting efforts continue.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by wildfires, particularly in the context of changing climate conditions that contribute to increased fire risks. As communities work to recover and rebuild, the focus will undoubtedly shift toward enhancing resilience and preparedness for future incidents.

In conclusion, the wildfire in Okjong-myeon has highlighted both the immediate dangers of such disasters and the importance of community response and support during emergencies. As firefighting efforts continue, the hope is that the situation will stabilize, allowing residents to return to their homes safely.