As the forest fire that occurred in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do spread through the wind, a ‘Forest Fire Stage 2’ was issued.
About 40 residents were evacuated due to the forest fire, and the forest authorities mobilized manpower and equipment to extinguish the fire.
According to the Central Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters of the Forest Service on the 3rd, the forest fire that occurred in Mangyong-ri, Woldung-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do at around 2:32 pm is gradually spreading with strong winds.
It is understood that winds of more than 10 m/s are blowing at the site.
The forest authorities issued a ‘forest fire stage 1’ at 3:30 pm and a ‘forest fire stage 2’ at 4:30 pm.
Stage 2 forest fire is issued to prevent damage to the public when conditions such as expected damage of 30￣100ha or more, average wind speed of 7m/s or more, and expected extinguishment of more than 24 hours are met.
Currently, 24 households (41 people) of nearby private houses have been evacuated to the Ju-dong Village Hall, and the area affected by the forest fire is estimated to be regarding 31 hectares.
According to the forest fire stage 2 announcement, the forest authorities currently have 19 forest fire extinguishing helicopters (11 Forest Service, 6 local governments, 2 fire departments), 22 forest fire extinguishing equipment (command, 8 extinguishers, 14 fire trucks), 150 forest fire extinguishers (forest fire disasters) 66 special firefighters, 34 civil servants, and 50 firefighters) are concentrating on extinguishing forest fires.
The mayor of Suncheon also summoned 100% of firefighting helicopters and firefighters, and quickly responded by mobilizing 100% of forest fire extinguishing helicopters and drones from neighboring institutions and 30% of available equipment from neighboring institutions.
An official from the Central Forest Fire Prevention and Control Headquarters of the Forest Service said, “We will mobilize all firefighting personnel and equipment to extinguish the fire as quickly as possible.”
Reporter Choi Jong-pil from Suncheon
