Hamyang's 44 Hours End, Then Miryang's 108 Hectares: What Two Consecutive Days of National Fire Mobilization Orders Reveal About Korea's 'New Wildfire Crisis'

108 hectares disappeared overnight.

On February 23, 2026, at 4:10 PM, a wildfire that broke out in a wild hill in Geomsae-ri, Samrangjin-eup, Miryang, Gyeongnam, spread rapidly on strong winds, burning 108 hectares—equivalent to 150 soccer fields—by 2 AM on the 24th. When the wildfire exceeded 100 hectares, the Korea Forest Service immediately declared 'Wildfire Response Level 2' and transferred unified on-site command authority to the Forest Service Commissioner.

TL;DR

• Consecutive Major Wildfires: Miryang wildfire occurred just one day after Hamyang wildfire (Feb 21-23, 44 hours) was extinguished; national fire mobilization orders issued two consecutive days
• Rapid Spread: Occurred at 4:10 PM on 2/23 → 108 hectares consumed by 2 AM on 2/24, containment rate 42%
• Full Mobilization: 620+ personnel from Forest Service, fire departments, military, and police; 19 helicopters, 45 fire trucks deployed
• Adverse Weather: Strong winds (over 10 m/s) + dry weather warning + yellow dust hampered firefighting; hoping for precipitation forecast for the 24th
• New Pattern: Multiple wildfires nationwide in February; traditional wildfire season (March-May) advancing

Facts: Hamyang Extinguished After 44 Hours, Miryang Ignites One Day Later

The wildfire that started in Hamyang County, Gyeongnam on February 21, 2026, at 6:19 AM burned for 44 hours before being completely extinguished on the afternoon of February 23. A national fire mobilization order was issued, and fire, military, and police personnel mobilized from across the country barely managed to contain the blaze.

But just one day after the Hamyang wildfire was extinguished—at 4:10 PM on February 23—a new wildfire broke out in Samrangjin-eup, Miryang, also in Gyeongnam. Though initially reported as small in scale, winds exceeding 10 m/s combined with extremely dry atmospheric conditions caused the flames to spread rapidly across the mountainside.

As of 2 AM on the 24th, the affected area of the Miryang wildfire had expanded to 108 hectares. The total fire line (the line along which flames spread) reached 5.4 km, with only 2.3 km contained, bringing the containment rate to just 42%. The Forest Service immediately declared Wildfire Response Level 2 and, as of midnight, transferred unified on-site command authority to the Forest Service Commissioner. The fire department also issued another national fire mobilization order.

Factors of Spread: Strong Wind + Drought + Yellow Dust Triple Threat

Three adverse conditions combined to cause the Miryang wildfire to spread so rapidly.

1. Strong Winds: From the night of February 23 through the early morning of the 24th, winds exceeding 10 m/s blew through the Gyeongnam region. Wildfires spread exponentially faster depending on wind direction and speed. The Miryang wildfire spread across the entire mountainside on strong winds, making firefighting efforts difficult.

2. Extreme Drought: Despite being late February, humidity in the Gyeongnam region dropped below 30%. With a dry weather warning in effect, the wild hills covered in fallen leaves and dry grass were essentially a 'powder keg.' Once ignited, flames spread instantly under the worst possible conditions.

3. Yellow Dust: To make matters worse, yellow dust blanketed the nation on February 22-23, reducing visibility. This limited aerial firefighting using helicopters and made it difficult to visually track the direction of fire spread, disrupting firefighting operations.

A Forest Service official stated, "We are experiencing difficulties in firefighting due to strong winds, dry atmosphere, and yellow dust," adding, "The precipitation expected from the afternoon of the 24th will greatly help with firefighting."

Context/Background: February's 'New Wildfire Season'

Traditionally, Korea's wildfire season was March-May. Spring's dry weather and strong winds, combined with fallen leaves accumulated in the mountains, frequently caused wildfires. But in February 2026, wildfire patterns are clearly changing.

Simultaneous Nationwide Wildfires: In addition to Hamyang and Miryang, large and small wildfires have occurred across the country throughout February. Wildfire reports have continued in Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Jeonnam, keeping forestry and fire authorities on alert.

Signal of Climate Change: Experts interpret this change as a signal of climate change. They explain that the wildfire season is advancing as decreased winter precipitation, early spring high temperatures, and increased windy days combine. Indeed, winter 2025 saw precipitation less than 50% of the average, and February 2026 temperatures were 2-3 degrees higher than average.

Infrastructure Limitations: With national fire mobilization orders issued two consecutive days, concerns arise that current wildfire response infrastructure cannot handle simultaneous large-scale wildfires. Personnel and equipment deployed to the Hamyang wildfire had to move to Miryang without adequate rest, and if a third major wildfire occurs, personnel deployment gaps would be inevitable.

Outlook: 'Wildfire Emergency' Until March

The Forest Service has designated the period until March as a wildfire emergency and will strengthen surveillance activities on forests nationwide. In particular, entry restrictions and fire use prohibitions will continue in areas with dry weather warnings.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast rain across the country starting from the afternoon of the 24th. With 5-10mm of precipitation expected in the Miryang area, this rain is anticipated to play a decisive role in firefighting. However, given the limited precipitation amount, complete extinguishment is still expected to take time.

A Forest Service official stated, "We are mobilizing 19 helicopters and 620+ firefighting personnel from the morning of the 24th," adding, "We expect the rain starting in the afternoon will greatly help firefighting, but we will determine the complete extinguishment timing based on field conditions."

Checklist: New Challenges for Wildfire Response

• Climate Adaptation: Need to reorganize response systems to match the 'new wildfire season' starting in February
• Simultaneous Response: Expand personnel and equipment to respond to simultaneous nationwide wildfires
• Strengthen Prevention: Enhance preventive measures including entry restrictions and fire use prohibitions in areas with dry weather warnings
• Rapid Initial Response: Strengthen response capacity within the golden time for initial firefighting (within 1 hour of occurrence)
• Weather Cooperation: Improve accuracy of wind/drought forecasts and advance wildfire risk forecasting systems

Reference Links

• Yonhap News: Miryang Wildfire Day 2, Containment Rate 42%... 620+ Personnel Focus on Preventing Spread
• Dong-A Ilbo: Just Contained Hamyang Wildfire, Now Miryang... Consecutive National Fire Mobilization Orders
• MBC: Forest Service Declares Miryang Wildfire 'Response Level 2'... Containment Rate 42% as of 2 AM

Image Source

Images unavailable: The wildfire site is an access-restricted area due to the national fire mobilization order, and official images could not be secured due to nighttime filming restrictions and media coverage controls. Official briefing materials from the Forest Service and fire departments are scheduled for release after the morning of the 24th.