Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Thursday ordered local authorities to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of residents after a wildfire broke out in Inje, Gangwon Province. After being briefed on the situation, Kim instructed municipalities to mobilize all necessary administrative resources to support the evacuation of residents in affected areas.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim also tasked the Korea Forest Service with collaborating with the provincial government, the fire agency, and the defense ministry to secure the required response equipment. The focus is on early containment to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby regions. Additionally, Kim emphasized the importance of preparing evacuation shelters and emergency relief supplies to minimize inconvenience for evacuees.

The wildfire ignited around 5:29 p.m. on a hillside in Inje, located 132 kilometers east of Seoul, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. In response, authorities have constructed firebreaks along the ridge where the wildfire is advancing, aiming to halt its progress. However, with nightfall, deploying helicopters to the area has become impossible.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. The risk of the fire spreading to nearby houses or military bases appears to be low, providing some relief to residents and officials monitoring the situation.