Firefighters Battle Ongoing Wildfire in Gyeongbuk

In Gyeongbuk's Uiseong, the aftermath of a devastating wildfire continues to unfold, showcasing the tireless efforts of firefighters on the front lines. On March 25, a firefighter shared on X (formerly Twitter), expressing exhaustion, stating, "It's so hard. How do we endure 24 hours? My colleague and I are nearly exhausted," alongside a photo depicting the harsh conditions they face.

The images reveal a firefighter resting in what appears to be an outdoor parking area, with only the top of his firefighting suit removed, shielding his eyes as he takes a moment to recuperate. His suit is charred black, and his face shows signs of fatigue. Another photo captures a different firefighter, also covered in soot, lying next to a fire truck, with dark stains marking his face.

On March 27, firefighters were seen in Andong's Hahoe Village, quickly grabbing meals like kimbap while on standby. A firefighter from Namyangju shared with Yonhap News, "They say the fire line is close, but everything is shrouded in smoke, making it impossible to see. We are on high alert," he said, his voice weary. He added, "I’m tired, but I think the residents are more worried, so I’m okay."

Baek Kyung, a current firefighter and author, also posted a photo of a fire truck involved in the wildfire response on his X account. With eight years of experience, he published a collection of essays titled 'You Are More Precious (What a Firefighter Faces at the Frontline of Pain)' in January. He recounted a close call with a colleague who returned from wildfire support, saying, "When he told me, 'I almost died in the line of duty,' I thought he was joking until I saw the burned truck. Once the rain comes and the fire is under control, I’ll invite my friend over and grill some pork to celebrate his survival."

The photos shared show the fire truck's surface blackened by flames, highlighting the intense conditions faced by the firefighters. In response, netizens have expressed their gratitude and support, stating, "Safety is the top priority," and "Words of thanks are not enough. We are truly grateful for your hard work and for staying safe. You are invaluable assets to the nation."

As of 4 PM on the same day, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters reported that the wildfire has resulted in 27 fatalities and 32 injuries, an increase of one death since the noon count. The casualties include four from the wildfire in Sancheong, Gyeongnam, and 23 from the Uiseong fire. Injuries include nine from the Sancheong fire, 21 from the Uiseong fire, and two from the Ulsan Onyang fire.