A fire broke out on Mount Hanji in Daegu at 2 p.m. on Monday. The Daegu fire spread rapidly, threatening nearby villages and burning large areas of forest. As the flames grew, officials ordered nearby residents and hikers to evacuate. By 5 p.m., 1,216 people from 899 households had relocated to nearby elementary schools. Emergency responders began their efforts immediately, bringing in helicopters and fire trucks.
Forest authorities issued a second-highest emergency alert in response to the Daegu fire. More than 202 personnel, 26 helicopters, and 42 fire trucks were deployed to battle the flames. Strong winds, reaching speeds of 11 meters per second, fueled the fire and made it difficult to control. The smoke from the fire was visible from Gyeongsan, a city 19 kilometers away from Daegu. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far, but the situation remains critical.
In an effort to protect public safety, authorities blocked traffic on the Gyeongbu Expressway. The Korea Expressway Corp. shut down access to the Buk-Daegu Interchange at 4 p.m. due to heavy smoke. Traffic patrol teams were deployed to manage congestion near the fire zone. Police officers worked tirelessly to keep roads clear and ensure drivers’ safety. The swift response helped prevent further complications from the fire.
Despite the efforts, the Daegu fire continued to spread, creating significant challenges for firefighting teams. The fire grew due to strong winds, but responders stayed focused on containing it. Authorities have made notable progress but have not yet fully controlled the blaze. Forest officials remain committed to extinguishing the fire as quickly as possible. They emphasized the urgency of the situation and vowed to continue working around the clock.
As the fire rages on, both local authorities and residents stay vigilant. Officials continue to provide regular updates, and they closely monitor the spread of the Daegu fire. The impact on the community and environment will be assessed once the fire is under control. However, the response teams’ quick actions have minimized damage so far. The Daegu fire remains a major concern, but the situation is improving with each passing hour.
