State of emergency declared as deadly wildfires sweep South Korea | World News

South Korea has declared a state of emergency as deadly wildfires continue to burn across its southeastern regions, causing widespread destruction and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes. The interior minry made the announcement in response to “the extensive damage caused simultaneous wildfires across the country”, particularly in the provinces of North and South Gyeongsang and the southeastern city of Ulsan.
The Korea Forest Service has issued its highest fire warning level, “severe”, in 12 locations, including the major cities of Busan and Daejeon. Several highway sections in the country’s southeast, including a key route between Ulsan and Busan, have been closed due to the fires.
The fires have already claimed four lives, including three firefighters and one public servant, according to a fire agency official. Emergency workers are struggling to contain more than 30 wildfires that have erupted across the country, fueled strong, dry winds.
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Wildfire spreads wide at a mountain in Uiseong, South Korea. (Photo: Yonhap via AP)
The largest blaze is in the rural county of Sancheong, where 260 people have been forced to flee to temporary shelters as flames spread rapidly across hills and forested areas.
Evacuations in place
The Korea Forest Service reported that the wildfire in Sancheong, which began on Friday afternoon, had already consumed more than 500 hectares Saturday evening. Despite extensive firefighting efforts, only 35 per cent of the blaze could be contained due to the region’s mountainous terrain and strong winds.

Authorities have deployed nearly 1,600 emergency workers, 35 helicopters, and dozens of firefighting vehicles to combat the flames. However, containment efforts remain difficult due to the challenging geography of the affected regions.Story continues below this ad
In Uiseong, North Gyeongsang province, more than 400 people have evacuated as firefighters continue battling a blaze that has burned 300 hectares. Meanwhile, dozens of residents in the city of Gimhae have also fled their homes as fires spread.
A helicopter drops water on a wildfire at a mountain in Uiseong, South Korea. (Photo: Yonhap via AP)
Government calls for urgent action
With the fires rapidly advancing, acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged emergency responders to make an “all-out effort” to extinguish the fires before sunset on Saturday. Authorities remain on high alert as strong winds continue to fuel the flames, making containment efforts more challenging.
Emergency teams are closely monitoring the situation, deploying additional resources as needed. Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to stay prepared for further evacuation orders.
Officials stress upon the urgency of the situation, calling for coordinated efforts to bring the fires under control before they spread further.
(Sources: AP/AFP/Reuters via ABC News)
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