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Authorities combat DMZ wildfire in Cheorwon County

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 12:07

A forestry helicopter conducts wildfire suppression operations in Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang on Feb. 23. [YONHAP]

Authorities are employing full-scale efforts to contain a wildfire that broke out two days ago within the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon County, Gangwon.

The blaze began around 12:10 p.m. Monday in the DMZ area of Gadan-ri, Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon County, forest authorities and the Forest Fire Center of Gangwon State said Tuesday.

The fire is believed to have started in the northern area before spreading southward. About 80 percent of the fire has been contained as of Tuesday at 9:52 a.m.

Ground personnel and equipment remain completely restricted from accessing the site due to hazards in the DMZ, including land mines.

Authorities are focusing on aerial firefighting operations using helicopters. The Korea Forest Service deployed four helicopters on Monday for initial containment efforts and resumed helicopter operations at sunrise, 7 a.m. Tuesday, to bring the main blaze under control.

Forest authorities are now focusing on establishing firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading further south. A detailed assessment of the affected area and the cause of the fire will be conducted once the flames are extinguished.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]