1 dead, Hundreds Flee Wildfire In South Korea Seaside City

South Korea’s SEOUL — Strong winds-fueled wildfire scorched parts of a seaside city on South Korea’s eastern coast on Tuesday, killing at least one person and forcing hundreds of people to flee before rain put out the fire.

It took eight hours and about 3,000 firefighters to extinguish the fire, which erupted at 8:30 a.m. on a mountain in Gangneung’s core district and burned approximately 70 residences and other buildings.

More than 550 individuals were evacuated to facilities such as an ice rink and a middle school gym.

According to officials, a man in his 70s was discovered dead inside a burned-down house, while another occupant and two firefighters suffered second-degree burns.

According to the Korea Forest Service, firefighters extinguished the incident by 4:30 p.m., aided by afternoon rain.

Strong gusts initially hindered their efforts and made it difficult for water-dropping planes to fly, but officials could deploy helicopters in the afternoon.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, winds in the Gangneung area were blowing at 103 kilometers per hour. Strong winds also led railway operators to cancel at least a dozen passenger trains connecting Gangneung with other eastern coastal cities such as Donghae and Samcheok.

The fire burned approximately 379 hectares. (936 acres). Initially, firefighters concentrated on erecting barriers to prevent the flames from spreading to more populated areas of Gangneung.

Firefighters were seen spraying water on burning residences and structures while enormous orange flames engulfed a pine forest near a beach vacation hotel. According to the Korean Forest Service, the fire was most likely started by a tree that fell over a powerline after being shattered by heavy winds.

SOURCE – (AP)