The recent Yeongnam forest fire saw embers carried by strong winds travel up to 2 km, as reported on the 31st. According to the government, flames reached the East Coast fishing boats within hours in regions such as Uiseong, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety noted, "It was an unprecedented ultra-fast forest fire in terms of spread patterns and damage scale."
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, as of that day, over 3,100 evacuees are staying in around 110 shelters. Most of the evacuees are elderly and are living in relief tents or on mats. The government plans to move the evacuees to temporary dwellings and provide housing spaces such as prefabricated homes in the future.
Some evacuees returned home for their livelihoods, such as farming. The government decided to assist with agricultural machinery checks and provide seeds free of charge. In areas where the power supply was disrupted due to the forest fire, emergency generators will be deployed to ensure there are no difficulties in daily life. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses affected by the fire are set to receive loans, guarantees, and operational funds from the local government.
Earlier, a large forest fire centered around Yeongnam lasted for nine days (from the 21st to the 30th), resulting in 30 deaths and 45 injuries. More than 3,700 dwellings, over 1,200 agricultural facilities, 13 temples, and 18 cultural properties suffered damage. The Korea Forest Service and fire authorities are working to control the flames and monitor to prevent another forest fire from occurring. At night, thermal imaging drones will be deployed to remove any discovered embers.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, dry weather is expected to continue for the time being. With the seasonal traditional holiday Hansik (寒食), which involves visiting ancestors' graves, an increase in visitors to the mountains is expected. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters cautioned, "A small ember can lead to a large forest fire," urging caution during grave visits and weeding to prevent fires.