29 helicopters, hundreds of personnel deployed to bring wildfire in Inje under control
A firefighter extinguishes a wildfire after it broke out the same day on a mountain in Inje, Gangwon Province, Thursday. Yonhap
Authorities have deployed 29 helicopters and hundreds of personnel to bring a wildfire in the northeast province of Gangwon under control, with the blaze believed to be nearly 70 percent contained, according to officials Friday.
The wildfire began Thursday afternoon on a hillside in Inje, northeast Gangwon Province, according to the interior ministry.
Forestry officials said 338 personnel and 69 pieces of equipment were mobilized to put out the fire overnight, but the rugged terrain of the mountain hindered firefighting efforts.
A total of 29 helicopters were deployed to put out the remaining flames early Friday. The fire line extended to roughly 2.5 kilometers, with containment at 68 percent, according to authorities.
No casualties have been reported so far, but 12 residents from nearby households were evacuated to nearby senior centers and other facilities as a precaution.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Thursday ordered local authorities to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of residents.
He also called on the authorities to ensure that evacuation shelters and emergency relief supplies are sufficiently prepared to minimize inconvenience for evacuees.