At least two firefighters lost their lives while hundreds were forced to evacuate their homes in South Korea on Saturday as emergency responders grappled with over 30 wildfires sparked by dry, gusty winds.
The most significant blazes erupted in the southeastern areas, notably in the rural county of Sancheong. Here, 260 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters as fires rapidly spread across the surrounding hillsides, as per updates from the South Gyeongsang provincial government.
Tragically, two firefighters succumbed to the relentless flames, while another firefighter and a government worker remain missing, having become entrapped by aggressive fires fueled by strong winds. Rescuers managed to recover five emergency personnel, who are currently receiving medical care for their injuries, according to the provincial authorities.
According to the Korea Forest Service, the wildfire in Sancheong decimated over 500 hectares (roughly 1,200 acres) by Saturday evening. The challenging terrain and persistent winds hindered containment efforts, with nearly 1,600 emergency workers, 35 helicopters, and numerous vehicles deployed, managing to control only 35% of the fire.
In the county of Uiseong, located in North Gyeongsang province, firefighters continued battling a blaze that had already consumed 300 hectares (around 740 acres), prompting over 400 residents to evacuate. Meanwhile, dozens also fled from their homes in Gimhae city. These fires necessitated the closure of several highway segments in the country’s southeast, affecting routes including one connecting Ulsan and Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city.
To combat the escalating situation, the national government declared the North and South Gyeongsang provinces along with the southeastern city of Ulsan as disaster zones. In response, the acting president of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, pledged a comprehensive effort to bring the wildfires under control.
Additional wildfires were reported in the central Chungcheong and southwestern Jeolla provinces, underscoring the widespread nature of the emergency.
