South Korea deploys choppers to extinguish wildfire

ISTANBUL

South Korean authorities deployed helicopters and ordered evacuations Monday after declaring a major disaster and raising the emergency response level to its highest position after a wildfire that broke out on Mount Hamji spread rapidly toward nearby residential areas.

The fire started around 2 p.m. local time (0500GMT) on the slopes of Mount Hamji, located in Dalseo District in the southeastern city of Daegu, about 230 kilometers (143 miles) southeast of Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported.

South Korea's National Fire Agency issued an emergency directive to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to contain the fire.

Following the order, authorities dispatched 28 additional fire engines, bringing the total to 67, and 29 helicopters to battle the blaze, according to officials.

Acting President Han Duck-soo ordered authorities to "use all available equipment and personnel" to extinguish the fire and ensure the safe evacuation of residents.

"As the wildfire is spreading rapidly due to strong winds and there are residential areas nearby, make sure to take all necessary measures for emergency rescue and evacuation to prevent any loss of life," Han said.

Officials said no casualties have been reported so far, but residents in Dalseo District and nearby areas have been advised to evacuate to local elementary schools as a precaution.

Last month, at least 30 people were killed and around 40 injured as wildfires swept through Gyeongsang Province, forcing thousands to flee their homes. The blaze was fully contained after 10 days.

About 48,000 hectares (118,611 acres) of woodland — equivalent to about 80% of the size of Seoul — were scorched, marking the worst wildfire disaster recorded in South Korean history.