05 Apr 2019 | 01:01 AM UTC
South Korea: Fire breaks out near Goseong April 4
At least 4000 residents evacuate from Goseong and Sokcho (Gangwon province) after fire breaks out on April 4; at least one fatality confirmed and containment efforts are ongoing
Event
A fire broke out in northeastern Gangwon province on the night (local time) of Thursday, April 4, near Sokcho and Goseong. As of 06:00 on Friday, April 5, thousands of firefighters are still working to contain the blaze, which has forced at least 4000 people to evacuate from their homes. At least one associated fatality has been confirmed and another 11 people have been injured. According to officials, the fire has burned about 385 hectares (950 acres) of land and has quickly spread into the nearby mountains due to strong winds overnight. Around 310 buildings, including homes and business, have also been destroyed. Officials have closed schools in the area on Friday as containment efforts continue. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the fire, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation notices, etc.).
