Wildfire Erupts In Uiseong-gun Due To Careless Visitor

A wildfire erupted in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 22, 2025, due to the negligence of a visitor tending to a tomb. The fire, which began at 11:24 AM on a mountain in Gusan-ri, Anpyeong-myeon, quickly spread, worsened by strong winds of 5.6 meters per second.

According to local officials, the individual responsible for the blaze reported to emergency services that they had accidentally ignited the flames while clearing the area around a tomb. This single careless act was sufficient to spark what has become a significant wildfire, affecting a widespread area.

The fire has now burned through an estimated 130 hectares of land. In response to the escalating threat, local firefighting teams initiated a massive response, activating the highest wildfire alert level (Level 3) at approximately 2:10 PM. This escalation was necessary as the predicted containment time extended from 24 to 48 hours due to continued windy conditions, which included gusts exceeding 11 m/s.

As of the afternoon, a total of 27 helicopters, alongside 36 firefighting vehicles and a contingent of 596 personnel, were deployed to combat the flames. Despite these efforts, by 4 PM on the same day, the containment effectiveness was reported to be only about 30%, demonstrating the challenges that firefighters faced against both nature and the rapid spread of the fire.

The local government took the precaution of issuing immediate evacuation alerts for 392 residents across multiple neighborhoods including those from Uiseong-eup, Dancheon-myeon, and others such as Cheolpa-ri. Residents were advised to seek refuge at the Uiseong Indoor Gymnasium and several community centers. Reports indicate that by 4:28 PM, a total of 132 households had moved to safety, comprising around 171 individuals. Additionally, evacuation efforts included approximately 70 patients from a nearby nursing home, some of whom required transfer to facilities in Andong.

As the day progressed, locals received continuous updates about the fire's progression, with warnings issued emphasizing the need for remaining vigilant to protect lives and property from the encroaching flames. Community members expressed their concerns about the ongoing situation, particularly given the fire's unpredictable behavior fueled by high winds.

In closing, officials reiterated the importance of exercising caution during outdoor activities, especially in potentially flammable environments. Environmental factors combined with human carelessness can lead to devastating consequences, a sentiment echoed by the response team: "We have deployed 27 helicopters and 596 personnel to manage this wildfire," stated a spokesman from the firefighting authority, highlighting the ongoing commitment to protect the community and contain the fire effectively.