Seoul Wildfire on Mount Bukhan 95% Contained Within Three Hours, Investigation Launched
Updated (2 articles)
Fire Ignition Time and Precise Spot The blaze erupted at 7:25 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, on a ridge near the Hyangrobong peak of Mount Bukhan, close to temples in Seoul’s Jongno Ward [1][2]. Firefighters arrived within minutes after the alarm was raised by local residents and park rangers. The initial report highlighted the steep terrain that complicated early suppression efforts.
Rapid Containment and Deployment Scale By 10:10 p.m., crews achieved roughly 95 percent containment, limiting the fire’s spread to an estimated 165 square meters of forested land [1]. A total of 346 firefighters and 29 fire engines were mobilized, enabling the swift reduction of the flame front within three hours [1][2]. Officials credited coordinated aerial support and ground crews for the rapid progress.
Investigation, Ember Control, and Low Spread Risk Authorities shifted focus to extinguishing remaining hot spots while a formal investigation into the fire’s cause proceeds [2]. The Korea Forest Service released a photograph documenting the burn area, emphasizing that the risk of further spread to adjacent neighborhoods remains low [2]. The investigation aims to identify any negligence or natural triggers to inform future prevention strategies [1][2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Seoul Wildfire on Mount Bukhan Nearly Contained Within Three Hours – Details the fire’s ignition, 95 % containment by 10:10 p.m., 165 m² burned, and deployment of 346 personnel and 29 engines; notes upcoming cause investigation .
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2.
Yonhap: Wildfire Ignites on Seoul’s Mount Bukhan, Officials Assess Low Spread Risk – Highlights the 7:25 p.m. start near Jongno temples, low spread risk, ongoing ember suppression, and release of visual evidence; also mentions planned investigation .
Timeline
Feb 21, 2026 (7:25 p.m.) Wildfire erupts on Mount Bukhan near the Hyangrobong peak and temples in Jongno Ward, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews [1][2].
Feb 21, 2026 (shortly after ignition) Seoul authorities mobilize 346 firefighters and 29 fire engines to the ridge, launching aggressive suppression efforts [1].
Feb 21, 2026 (by 10:10 p.m.) Firefighters achieve roughly 95 % containment, limiting the blaze to about 165 m² of forested land within three hours [1].
Feb 21, 2026 (post‑containment) Forest‑service officials focus on fully extinguishing remaining embers and state that “the risk of the fire spreading to nearby areas appears low” [2].
Feb 21, 2026 (later that day) The Korea Forest Service releases a photograph of the fire’s extent, and Seoul officials announce a forthcoming investigation to determine the cause once all hot spots are out [2].
Feb 21, 2026 (future) The planned investigation will examine the fire’s origin and aim to identify accountability and prevention measures after the blaze is fully extinguished [1][2].