South Korea Wildfires Kill Four, Displace Hundreds as Emergency Declared

Fires fueled by dry winds and rugged terrain have burned over 500 hectares, with containment efforts ongoing and severe warnings issued across multiple provinces.

• Four fatalities, including three firefighters and one public servant, have been confirmed as wildfires continue to spread in southeastern South Korea.
• Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, with over 260 displaced in Sancheong and 400 in Uiseong, as temporary shelters are set up for those affected.
• The wildfires have burned over 500 hectares in Sancheong alone, with only 35% of the blaze contained despite the deployment of 1,600 emergency workers and 35 helicopters.
• The South Korean government has declared a state of emergency in North and South Gyeongsang provinces and Ulsan, designating them as disaster zones.
• Highways in southeastern regions, including one connecting Ulsan and Busan, have been closed for safety, while severe fire warnings remain in effect in 12 areas.

4 Articles

CNA Deutsche Welle Australian Broadcasting Corporation