Devastating wildfires swept through South Korea on Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least two firefighters and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The fatalities occurred in Sancheong County, located in the southeastern region of the country, as reported by local news agency Yonhap.
Firefighters lose their lives amid raging blazes
According to officials from the Korea Forest Service, a total of two firefighters were confirmed dead, with two more reported missing as multiple wildfires continued to engulf various areas across the nation. In response to the escalating crisis, a state of national disaster was declared at 6 PM local time (09:00 GMT), impacting the city of Ulsan and the North and South Gyeongsang provinces.
In Sancheong County alone, over 200 residents were ordered to evacuate their homes in eight villages due to the rapidly spreading flames. Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the need for immediate action, urging all available resources to be mobilized to extinguish the fire before nightfall. However, strong winds complicated firefighting efforts, with the affected area located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Seoul.
Evacuations and warnings issued across multiple regions
In addition to the chaos in Sancheong County, wildfires in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, forced the displacement of more than 400 residents. The Korea Forest Service responded to the heightened threat by issuing serious wildfire warnings in 12 different locations, including the major port city of Busan and the central city of Daejeon.
“We are mobilizing all efforts to battle these fires and ensure the safety of our citizens,” said a spokesperson for the Korea Forest Service.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are working tirelessly to manage the wildfires and protect the lives of those in affected areas.