Agency Report
South Korean city of Daegu yesterday ordered over 1,200 residents to evacuate after strong winds whipped up a wildfire and triggered the closure of a highway in the area due to concerns about the blaze.
Korea Forest Service said in a statement that the wildfire reportedly began at around 2pm (0500 GMT) and had affected an estimated 50 hectares (123.6 acres) in less than two hours due to dry conditions and constant winds.
At the time of filing this report, no casualty has been recorded.
According to the Korea Forest Service, 26 helicopters and 202 firefighting personnel were deployed to the site, while a section of Gyeongbu highway was closed.
It would be recalled that South Korea in March suffered its worst ever natural fire disaster, with nearly 30 people killed and historic temples incinerated.
