Wildfire continues for third day in southeastern S. Korea

Seoul: A wildfire burned for the third day on Thursday despite firefighting efforts involving dozens of helicopters. 

The wildfire that broke out on a hill in the southern city of Miryang early Tuesday is spreading rapidly to nearby forest lands amid the strong winds and a dry spell, forcing authorities to evacuate over 470 residents in nearby villages.  

Efforts to bring the blaze under control lasted for three days, mobilizing 53 choppers and about 2,450 personnel.

The fire has burned about 700 hectares of woodland. However, no casualties and property damage have been reported yet.

Following the situation, a total of 476 villagers near the area and 228 people from nearby elderly care hospitals have been ordered to evacuate. 

Authorities have also evacuated over 390 inmates from a prison in Miryang to another prison near Daegu.