MIRYANG: Despite firefighting efforts involving dozens of helicopters, a wildfire in South Korea raged for a third day on Thursday.

The fire that started on a hill in Miryang, about 280 kilometres southeast of Seoul, on Tuesday is spreading quickly, thanks to high winds and a dry spell, according to news reports.

As soon as activities resumed on Thursday morning, forestry and firefighting officials despatched 53 helicopters to resume their firefighting efforts, as well as 2,450 personnel to join the battle later in the day. The Defence Ministry said, there were 16 Army helicopters and three Air Force helicopters among the choppers.

On Thursday, the military planned to send 590 service members to assist with the firefighting efforts. As of Thursday, the fire had destroyed over 700 hectares of forestland, with a 73 percent fire suppression rate. There have been no reports of injuries or property damage as of yet.

As of Thursday, the Korea Forest Service maintained its maximum Level-3 wildfire reaction posture.

US, S.Korea, Japan pledge efforts to end N.Korean provocation

N.Korea appears to be carrying out operations at Yongbyon nuclear complex

UN Security Council to vote on North Korea sanctions on Thursday