Hundreds have escaped a wildfire on a mountain in Gangneung’s central district in a South Korean coastal city which took eight hours and about 3,000 firefighters to put out.
According to Arise News, the fire erupted around 8:30am, it was a wind-fueled wildfire that burned over parts of the eastern coastal city on Tuesday, burning scores of homes before being slowed by rain.
Over 550 residents were relocated to locations like an ice rink and a middle school gym while about 70 homes and other buildings were destroyed.
There have been no reports of deaths. Although, two officials reported that two firefighters and at least one citizen both have second-degree burns.
According to the Korea Forest Service, the flame was put out by firemen about 4:30pm, with the aid of afternoon rain.
Strong winds made it challenging for water-dropping planes to fly initially hindered their operations, but in the afternoon, officials were able to deploy helicopters.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, winds were blowing at 103 kilometers per hour (64 miles per hour) in the Gangneung region.
Also, a dozen or more passenger trains between Gangneung and other eastern coastal cities including Donghae and Samcheok had to be canceled due to the severe winds.
More than 379 hectares were burned in the fire (936 acres).
