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 directed the Korea Forest Service to collaborate with the provincial government, the fire agency, and the defense ministry to secure required response equipment, focus on early containment, and prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby regions. Kim emphasized the importance of ensuring that evacuation shelters and emergency relief supplies are adequately prepared to minimize inconvenience for evacuees.

The wildfire ignited at approximately 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. Authorities have constructed firebreaks along the ridge where the wildfire is advancing to halt its progress. With nightfall hindering helicopter deployment, authorities plan to dispatch aircraft as soon as dawn breaks.

No casualties have been reported so far, and the risk of the fire spreading to nearby houses or military bases appears to be low. As of 10 p.m., the fire line extended to roughly 2.2 kilometers, with containment at 41 percent. The government intends to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage once the blaze is extinguished.