South Korea wildfires kill at least two firefighters

A severe wildfire broke out in South Korea on Saturday, resulting in at least two fatalities and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes. The disaster is primarily concentrated in the southeastern region of South Korea, creating a dire situation that requires immediate attention.

According to Yonhap News Agency, citing local officials, two firefighters died in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, while battling the blaze. Furthermore, the Korea Forest Service reported that two more people are missing, multiple fires have erupted, and firefighting forces nationwide are making every effort to respond effectively.

South Korea declared a state of national disaster in Ulsan Metropolitan City and North and South Gyeongsang Provinces at 18:00 local time (09:00 GMT). The deadly fire in Sancheong County compelled the emergency evacuation of over 200 residents from eight villages, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Acting President Choe Sang-mok has urged all parties to exert every effort to extinguish the fire before sunset. However, strong winds at the site, approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, are creating significant obstacles to the firefighting efforts. In Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, another 400 residents have been displaced due to the wildfires.

The Korea Forest Service has issued severe wildfire warnings in 12 regions, including Busan and the central city of Daejeon, reminding the public to be highly vigilant and cooperate with government departments to prevent fires. The warnings emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.