Forest fire in South Korea kills 4, hundreds evacuated

The fire started in Sancheong County on Friday afternoon, prompting authorities to mobilize 304 firefighters and 20 helicopters to control the blaze, according to the South Korean Interior Ministry.

Smoke rises from fires. Photo: X/GudadzeLevan

More than 200 residents in 15 villages in the southern region have been told to evacuate. "Four people, including three firefighters and a civil servant, have been confirmed dead," a fire department official said.

Forest fires also broke out in other areas across the country, with 16 reported on Saturday alone, according to the Korea Forest Service.

The Ministry of the Interior later declared a state of emergency for the city of Ulsan, along with North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces, due to "serious damage caused by simultaneous forest fires across the country".

The South Korean Forestry Agency has issued a "serious" forest fire warning, the highest level, in 12 areas, including North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, Busan and Daejeon provinces.

Sancheong County, in South Gyeongsang Province, is located about 250km southeast of Seoul. Several sections of highways in the area have been closed for safety, according to local reports.

Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has directed authorities to "mobilize all available equipment and manpower to quickly extinguish the fire," according to his office.

South Korea regularly faces forest fires in the spring, when dry weather and strong winds spread the flames quickly. However, the number of fires occurring at the same time this time suggests an increase in severity.

Experts also warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including prolonged heat waves and unusual rainfall, which could contribute to the increased risk of wildfires.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Yonhap)