According to forestry and firefighting authorities, the main blaze on Hamji Mountain in Daegu some 240 kilometers (149 miles) was fully extinguished around 12:55 p.m. on Tuesday. No casualties were reported.
The fire first erupted at approximately 2:01 p.m. on Monday, near the upper slopes of Hamji Mountain. As the flames spread rapidly, the Korea Forest Service raised the wildfire alert level through all three stages, the highest being Level 3, declared when the projected damage area exceeds 100 hectares, wind speeds surpass 11 meters per second (25 miles per hour), and firefighting is expected to take more than 48 hours.
The National Fire Agency also issued a nationwide fire mobilization order at 4:05 p.m., just over two hours after the fire began, due to its rapid expansion toward residential zones.
The fire came dangerously close to homes in Joya-dong, located about 2 kilometers east of the ignition point. Flames also advanced toward densely populated apartment areas in Seobeon-dong. Emergency evacuation messages were sent to nearby residents and more than 2,000 people were temporarily evacuated to shelters, including elementary schools.
The wildfire disrupted city traffic, forcing authorities to close key roads and entry and exit ramps on the Gyeongbu Expressway at a Daegu interchange. These routes have since reopened.
Initially hampered by dry conditions and strong winds, the firefighting effort gained momentum overnight. By 8 p.m. on Monday, containment stood at just 19 percent. Authorities then deployed 1,515 personnel, 398 pieces of equipment, and two night-operating Surion helicopters to reinforce fire lines and battle the flames.
At sunrise on Monday, firefighting resumed with 53 helicopters, 1,551 personnel, and 204 pieces of equipment. As wind conditions eased to below 1 meter per second, progress accelerated. Containment increased from 60 percent at 4 a.m. to 92 percent by 10 a.m., leading to the eventual control of the main blaze.
As firefighting efforts resumed early in the morning, authorities hope to have the fire fully contained by the end of the day.
No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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