A wildfire broke out in Wondong-myeon, Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, on the afternoon of May 9, prompting forest authorities to launch firefighting operations.
According to the Korea Forest Service's Central Disaster Management Headquarters, Yangsan City, and the South Gyeongsang Fire Department, the fire started in a mountainous area at approximately 3:31 p.m. As of 4:30 p.m., 20 firefighting helicopters, 22 fire trucks, and 123 personnel had been deployed to contain the spread. West-southwest winds were blowing at 1.2 meters per second at the scene.
As flames spread, the city issued an evacuation order via emergency text alert at 4:19 p.m., warning that "a wildfire near Yongdang-ri is spreading" and instructing "nearby residents and hikers to evacuate immediately to Wondong Elementary School." A total of 122 residents received evacuation orders, including 67 from Singok-ri and 55 from Jung-ri.
No casualties have been reported. The fire is believed to have originated from a farm hut near a bamboo grove behind a residence.
Forest authorities said they will continue firefighting operations and investigate the exact cause and extent of damage once the blaze is fully extinguished.