Wildfire in Miryang contained after 20-hour battle

By Lee Hugh Posted : February 24, 2026, 16:07 Updated : February 24, 2026, 16:16
A helicopter sprays water to put out a wildfire in Miryang, South Gyongsang Province on Feb. 24, 2026.
 Yonhap
SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - A wildfire in the southeastern city of Miryang was contained on Tuesday after firefighters battled flames for more than 20 hours.

The fire broke out around 4 p.m. the previous day on a hill in a small town in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, forcing about 150 residents to evacuate.

About 1,511 emergency workers, along with 52 helicopters and 318 pieces of equipment, were deployed to combat the fire, but their efforts were hampered by low visibility as night fell. Firefighting resumed the following day shortly after sunrise, with morning rain also aiding efforts to contain the blaze.

The affected area was estimated at 143 hectares, but no casualties or damage to facilities were reported.

"Wildfires occur frequently in spring due to dry weather and strong winds, a spokesman for the Korea Forest Service warned, urging people to refrain from using fire outdoors.

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