(MENAFN) Wildfires that had previously been brought under control in southeastern South Korea have reignited overnight, fire authorities reported early Saturday. According to media source, firefighting helicopters have been deployed to combat the renewed blazes.  

An official from the Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters indicated that reports of smoke in Andong, located approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul in North Gyeongsang Province, began surfacing around 10 p.m. Friday (1300GMT Saturday). Forestry officials suspect the fires restarted at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday.  

The Korea Forest Service had announced on Friday that the wildfires in North Gyeongsang were fully contained after causing casualties, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of residents.

Officials have also confirmed that fires have flared up again in other areas of the province, including Euiseong, situated south of Andong.

Regional authorities have mobilized nine firefighting helicopters, along with 230 firefighters, public servants, and 50 soldiers to control the spreading fires. North Gyeongsang officials are planning to deploy up to 30 helicopters as smoke plumes have been observed in various parts of the province, despite earlier claims that the fires had not restarted.  

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