Dry spell leads to wildfires across South Korea; see pics

A forest fire broke out around on April 2 on Inwangsan, a mountain in central Seoul, South Korea, that is a popular outdoor destination, prompting the evacuation of dozens of nearby households as firefighters hurried to contain the blaze.

No casualties were reported in the fire, which was about 23 hectares (57 acres), roughly 20% of the mountain’s total area. Credit: Reuters Photo

It was designated a Level 2 in the country’s three-level fire alert system, and authorities deployed at least 500 people and nine helicopters, which dropped water onto the steep, wooded terrain. Credit: AFP Photo

Within three hours about 80% of the blaze had been extinguished, according to an official at Jongno Fire Station, but preventing its further spread remained crucial in an area that is home to thousands of people, some in high-rise apartments only a short distance from the mountain’s trails. Credit: AFP Photo

Access to the mountain remained blocked, and households that had been evacuated were awaiting clearance to return. Credit: AFP Photo

South Korea is hilly and forested, drawing locals and visitors year-round to its hiking trails, especially in Seoul, where there are numerous mountains within the city and at its edges. Inwangsan, which contains part of Seoul’s ancient city walls and offers sweeping downtown views, is a favourite. Credit: Reuters Photo

Trails across Seoul’s mountains were packed weekends as temperatures climbed to 70 degrees and cherry blossoms that dot the city were near their peak. Credit: Reuters Photo