SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire that broke out in Uiseong County, southeastern South Korea, was largely brought under control within three hours on Saturday, Yonhap News agency reported.
Uiseong County Mayor Kim Ju-soo said the main blaze was extinguished at around 6 p.m. local time. As of 4:30 p.m., the wildfire had affected about 59 hectares of land, with a fire line stretching 3.39 km.
An evacuation order was issued for nearby residents, who were instructed to take shelter at community facilities, including a gymnasium, according to Yonhap.
The fire started at about 3:14 p.m. on a mountain in Uiseong County, some 180 km southeast of the capital Seoul. The Korea Forest Service issued a Level 2 wildfire response after the fire erupted. More than 300 firefighters, over 50 fire engines, and 10 helicopters were deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to residential areas.
Forest authorities said the cause of the fire is under investigation and that all available resources will be mobilized to prevent casualties.
Heavy snowfall in the area on Saturday afternoon reportedly helped slow the spread of the wildfire. ■