Cause of the Daegu Hamji Mountain Wildfire and Investigation into the First Reporter: Suspicions of Arson by a Distant Farm Worker 🔥

What Happened at Daegu Hamji Mountain?

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On April 28, 2025, a massive wildfire broke out on Hamji Mountain in Buk-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Fueled by strong winds and dry weather conditions, the fire quickly spread toward nearby residential areas, causing panic and large-scale evacuations. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

However, what makes this incident even more concerning is the possibility of arson.
Particularly, the first person who reported the fire has drawn attention:
a farm worker located a considerable distance away from the fire’s origin.

Fire Origin: Not a Hiking Trail, but a Restricted Area

Investigations revealed that the fire did not start along a regular hiking trail.
Instead, it ignited in a restricted entrance path (off-trail area) — a place typically off-limits to hikers. 🚫

• Weather Analysis: According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the weather conditions that day were not conducive to natural fires.

• Location Factor: The origin site was remote, making accidental fire by hikers highly unlikely.

Given these facts, authorities have ruled out natural causes and are focusing on human-induced factors such as negligence or intentional arson. 🕵️

Who Was the First Reporter, and Why Are They Suspicious?

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The first 119 emergency call regarding the wildfire came from a farm worker located hundreds of meters away from the actual fire scene. 🚨

• Distance: The caller was far removed from the fire origin.

• Claim: The worker claimed to have seen smoke and immediately reported it.

• Police Investigation: Authorities are scrutinizing the movement and behavior of the first reporter.

❗What raises eyebrows is how the farm worker was able to notice the fire so quickly despite the distance.
This discrepancy has led investigators to seriously consider the possibility of arson.

Key Updates as of April 29th, 2025

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🗞️ Several critical facts were updated by major news outlets on April 29:

• Arson Likely: Natural ignition ruled out by the Korea Forest Service and Meteorological Administration.

• First Reporter Identity: Confirmed to be a distant farm worker.

• Fire Origin: Started in a restricted access area, not a regular hiking trail.

• Damage: Estimated 260 hectares of forest destroyed.

• Containment: Over 80% of the main blaze was under control by the morning of April 29.

These new revelations heavily point toward human intervention rather than a natural disaster.

Current Damage and Response Overview

🌲 Forest Damage:

• About 260 hectares of forest land burned.

🏡 Residential Impact:

• No houses were burned thanks to quick firefighting measures.

• However, over 5,600 residents were evacuated for safety.

🚧 Infrastructure Impact:

• Temporary road closures including parts of the Gyeongbu Expressway.

• Minor power outages in nearby areas.

Thanks to the fast and strong response from firefighters and local authorities,
no human casualties were reported, which is a significant relief.

Investigative Actions Underway

Currently, the police and the Korea Forest Service are working together to uncover the truth.
Their focus includes:

• Analyzing CCTV footage from nearby areas.

• Reconstructing the first reporter’s movements.

• Conducting a detailed site investigation.

• Interviewing potential witnesses.

🚔 If proven to be intentional arson,
the perpetrator could face severe criminal charges, including life imprisonment under South Korea’s special arson laws.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Truth Behind the Daegu Wildfire

The Daegu Hamji Mountain wildfire is shaping up to be not just a natural disaster, but potentially a man-made tragedy.

The focus on the first reporter—a distant farm worker—and the absence of natural fire conditions make arson highly suspicious.
Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to reveal the truth behind this devastating fire. 🔥

As investigations continue,
the people of Daegu, and indeed all of South Korea, await clear answers and justice.

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