South Korean city orders evacuations as wildfire spreads rapidly

Over 1,200 residents in Daegu, South Korea, were evacuated Monday as strong winds fueled a wildfire that spread across 50 hectares, forcing a highway closure. No casualties have been reported as firefighting efforts continue.

The fire, which started around 2 p.m. (0500 GMT), quickly spread across roughly 50 hectares (123.6 acres) within two hours, driven by dry weather and steady winds, according to the Korea Forest Service.

Authorities reported no casualties so far in the area around Daegu, located about 233 kilometers (145 miles) southeast of Seoul.

To combat the fire, 26 helicopters and 202 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and part of the Gyeongbu highway was shut down as a precaution.

The incident comes just months after South Korea faced its worst-ever wildfire disaster in March, which claimed nearly 30 lives and destroyed historic temples.

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