The forest fire that broke out on the 28th at Hamjisan in Daegu is spreading, leading to the closure of the north Daegu Interchange in both directions on the Gyeongbu Expressway.
According to the forestry authorities and Daegu Buk-gu, a forest fire occurred at around 2:01 p.m. on Hamjisan (San 39, Nogok-dong) in Daegu Buk-gu. The fire is spreading with the wind.
The Korea Expressway Corporation blocked access in both directions at the north Daegu Interchange tollgate starting at 4 p.m. The north Daegu Interchange is located 1.7 km southeast of the fire site.
As of 3:50 p.m., the forestry authorities issued a level 2 forest fire response. A total of 19 helicopters, 38 pieces of equipment, and 165 personnel are involved in the firefighting efforts. A level 2 forest fire alert is issued when the expected damage area is between 50 and 100 hectares, average wind speed is between 7 and 11 m/s, and the estimated firefighting time is less than 10 to 48 hours.
The site is experiencing strong winds with maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 11 m/s. The flames are spreading to Joya-dong, 1 to 2 km away, carried by the fierce wind. It has also been reported that flying embers from the fire, a phenomenon known as 'biwa,' have been observed. Smoke from the Hamjisan fire is visible up to 6 to 7 km away, including in the downtown Daegu area.
As the forest fire spread, Daegu Buk-gu sent disaster text messages urging residents of Nogok-dong, where the fire broke out, and nearby Joya-dong and Seobyun-dong to evacuate. Hikers were also advised to evacuate to a safe place or descend. An English disaster message stating 'Evacuation, Forest fire' was also sent.
As a result of this forest fire, more than 1,200 residents from 899 households, including over 670 residents of Nogok-dong where the fire occurred and 540 from Muhitae Joya-dong, have evacuated. They evacuated to the nearby Paldal Elementary School and Maehcheon Elementary School. Daegu Buk-gu advised residents of Seobyun-dong to evacuate to Dongbyeon Middle School.
Hong Mo (58), a resident of Muhitae Joya-dong east of Hamjisan, said, "The wind is blowing strongly to the east, so I am evacuating to Suseong-gu where my relatives are," adding, "The sky over the north Daegu Interchange is covered with dark smoke from the forest fire."