Wildfires broke out across the southern regions of South Korea over the weekend, scorching more than 4,050 hectares (approximately 10,000 acres) of forest, an area roughly equivalent to 5,000 soccer fields. At least four people were killed and 10 injured, and over 1,500 residents have been forced to evacuate, according to government officials.
The fire began on March 21 in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, and spread to Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province a day later, burning more than 1,329 hectares of forest as of 7 a.m. on March 23, said the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Only 30% of the fire has been contained so far. Ten homes have been destroyed, and 335 residents have been evacuated. Four people, including a firefighter, were killed on the first day, and 10 were injured.
In Uiseong County, the wildfire had scorched 1,802 hectares. The containment rate was 2.8% as of 7 a.m. March 23. The fire destroyed 24 homes and partially damaged five more. Local authorities have relocated 951 residents to temporary shelters, including gymnasiums in the region. Authorities have deployed 50 helicopters and 1,356 personnel to contain the flames.
Wildfires in Ulju, Ulsan, have burned 85 hectares and are 70% contained, while the one in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, has burned 70.11 hectares and is 20% contained. Authorities have evacuated 80 people from Ulju and 148 from Gimhae.
The government declared a state of national disaster for the southeastern part affected by wildfires, including Ulsan City, North Gyeongsang Province, and South Gyeongsang Province, as of 6 p.m. March 22.
“We will continue to evacuate residents and work swiftly to bring the fires under control,” said an official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
