Wildfire Threatens Homes In Sancheong-Gun, Gyeongnam Province

A powerful wildfire ignited in Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, on March 21, 2025, severely impacting local residents and prompting an extensive emergency response. The blaze began around 3:26 PM on a mountain in Sincheong-ri, Sicheon-myeon, and quickly escalated, forcing authorities to declare a Level 3 wildfire alert by 6:40 PM.

According to the Korea Forest Service, a Level 3 alert indicates that the expected damage area exceeds 100 hectares, with strong winds of at least 11 meters per second contributing to the fire's rapid spread. The conditions predict serious difficulties in extinguishing the flames within 24 hours, which led to the mobilization of significant resources to tackle the emergency. This urgent situation saw the deployment of over 900 firefighters and approximately 90 firefighting vehicles, along with 20 helicopters allocated to manage the fire.

In response to the escalating threat, authorities dispatched disaster text messages to nearby residents, advising the evacuation of around 160 individuals from Jeomdong and Gukdong villages to be transported to safety in local village halls. No injuries have been reported so far, though the fire has prompted widespread alarm in the area.

By nightfall, as firefighting operations became increasingly challenging without aerial support, resources were shifted to ground-based efforts. The Forest Service confirmed that, weather permitting, helicopters would resume operations with 29 units at sunrise on March 22, 2025, aiming to extinguish the core fire during the less windy morning hours.

As the fire raged on, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters issued an urgent directive emphasizing that preparation and focus on resident safety were paramount. We must ensure no casualties arise from this wildfire, stated an official. This included prioritizing ground firefighting operations while maintaining the safety of the firefighters, especially since darkness rendered aerial solutions unfeasible.

The fire's current prediction suggests a damage zone encompassing about 130 hectares, with only an estimated 15% of the fire contained thus far. Firefighters remained diligent, erecting lines to prevent the blaze from reaching residential structures.

The efforts reflect a determined response from various local and national resources. The Acting Minister of the Interior and Safety also urged all agencies involved, including the Forest Service and local disaster response teams, to concentrate on managing and extinguishing the fire as quickly as possible.

As of late in the evening on March 21, the fire continues to threaten the area, with comprehensive plans established for combating the flames at first light the following morning. Authorities anticipate ongoing operations to battle the wildfire, emphasizing their commitment to protecting life and property in the face of these challenging and dangerous conditions.