South Korea wildfire kills four, hundreds ordered for evacuation
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The wildfire, which ignited on Friday, rapidly spread across southeastern South Korea as firefighters battled to contain the blaze under difficult conditions.
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Firefighters extinguish a fire at a factory building that has been engulfed in a wildfire in Uiseong, South Korea, on March 22, 2025. (AP)
Several people have been killed in wildfires in South Korea, which declared a state of emergency in southeastern regions on Saturday.
Three firefighters and one public servant were killed in the wildfires according to AFP, which cited a fire agency official. The South Korean Interior Ministry said 304 emergency personnel were deployed along with 20 helicopters, and more than 200 residents in over 15 villages were ordered to evacuate.
Firefighters are combating the blaze in Sancheong country after it ravaged through 500 hectares by Saturday evening, however, they have so far contained only 35% of the blaze due to the mountainous terrain in the areas affected.
The Korean Forest Service reported 16 incidents of wildfires across the country, prompting it to issue "severe" fire warnings for 12 locations, including North and South Gyeongsang provinces. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry declared a state of emergency in the same areas, citing the "extensive damage caused by simultaneous wildfires across the country".
The fires also prompted the closure of several sections of highways in the southeastern parts of the country, including the highway that connects Ulsan to Busan.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered agencies to "mobilise all available equipment and personnel to quickly extinguish [the fire]."
