Two firefighters have been killed and at least two individuals remain missing as wildfires swept across southern regions of South Korea, prompting evacuations in several villages, authorities reported.
The wildfire erupted in Sancheong County, located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Seoul. The fire has forced more than 200 residents from 15 southern villages to evacuate their homes for safety.
According to South Korea’s Interior Ministry, authorities mobilized 304 personnel and deployed 20 helicopters to contain the blaze. An official confirmed that two firefighters had been found dead, while rescue teams continued searching for two other individuals, whose identities were not immediately confirmed.
The Korea Forest Service reported additional wildfires spreading through other parts of central and southern provinces. “severe” wildfire alerts—its highest level—in 12 locations, including North and South Gyeongsang provinces, as well as the cities of Busan and Daejeon.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has instructed all relevant agencies to utilize all available resources to extinguish the fires rapidly and protect residents.
While some extreme weather events are directly linked to climate change, forest fires often arise from a complex interplay of factors, including dry conditions, wind, and human activity.
