South Korean city orders more than 1,200 residents to evacuate due to wildfire

On Monday, authorities in Daegu, South Korea, ordered the evacuation of over 1,200 residents after fierce winds fueled a fast-moving wildfire, forcing the temporary closure of a major highway. The fire broke out around 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT) and rapidly spread across approximately 50 hectares (123.6 acres) within two hours, driven by dry weather and persistent gusts, according to a statement from the Korea Forest Service.

Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the situation prompted serious concern due to the fire’s proximity to residential areas and key infrastructure. The Gyeongbu Expressway, one of the country’s busiest highways, had to be shut down as a precautionary measure.

To combat the blaze, 26 helicopters and over 200 firefighting personnel were dispatched. Firefighters are racing to contain the flames and protect nearby communities from potential destruction.

This incident follows on the heels of South Korea’s most devastating wildfire earlier this year in March, which claimed nearly 30 lives and destroyed culturally significant sites, including centuries-old temples.