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Daegu Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate as Containment Efforts Continue

The fast-moving blaze on Mount Hamji has scorched over 150 hectares, prompting South Korea's highest wildfire alert and an ongoing investigation into its origins.

Helicopters dump water on a mountain in Daegu, some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as wildfire continues for a second day on April 29, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Helicopters dump water on a mountain in Daegu, some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as a wildfire continues for a second day on April 29, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The wildfire on Mount Hamji in Daegu began around 2 p.m. on April 28 and has spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions.
  • Authorities have evacuated approximately 3,400 residents to local schools, with no casualties reported as of 8 p.m.
  • The Korea Forest Service issued a Level 3 wildfire response, its highest alert, while the National Fire Agency mobilized nationwide resources to combat the fire.
  • Containment efforts have reached 19 percent, with 151 hectares of land affected; helicopters will resume operations at sunrise after a nighttime focus on ground crews.
  • Officials suspect the fire originated in a restricted area of Mount Hamji, with a full investigation planned after firefighting efforts conclude.