South Korea has declared a state of emergency as massive wildfires continue to rage across its southeastern regions. The wildfires have caused widespread destruction and displacement of thousands and resulted in four casualties. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the wildfire started on Friday in the rural county of Sancheong. Since then, it has spread fast due to strong and dry winds, which made containment efforts difficult.
Widespread Devastation and Evacuations
The Korea Forest Service has issued the highest level of fire warning, “severe,” in 12 locations. The locations include major cities such as Busan and Daejeon. Several highway sections in the country’s southeast have been closed as the fires continue to spread. The highway between Ulsan and Busan has also been closed.
According to the latest report, at least four people have died, and six have beeninjured. The deceased includes three firefighters and a public servant. According to authorities, more than 1,500 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters. In Sancheong alone, 260 people fled as wildfires engulfed the surrounding hills. In North Gyeongsang province’s Uiseong County, more than 400 residents were evacuated as a separate wildfire consumed 300 hectares. Meanwhile, dozens of residents in the city of Gimhae have also been forced to flee their homes.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges Against Wildfires
Despite mobilizing nearly 1,600 emergency personnel, 35 helicopters, and dozens of firefighting vehicles due to strong wind, the wildfires have not been controlled yet. In Sancheong, where the fire has burned over 500 hectares, only 35% of the blaze had been contained by Saturday evening. Firefighters are also struggling to control the flames in Ulju County, where transmission towers on the mountains are preventing helicopters from approaching key fire zones.
With low humidity and strong winds forecast for the coming days, authorities fear that the situation may worsen. In a disaster response meeting, Lee Han-kyung, deputy chief of the disaster control tower, said, “Wildfires are rapidly spreading to broader regions due to dry weather, threatening people’s lives.”
Massive Land Losses and Government Response
The extent of the destruction caused by wildfires is staggering. A total of 4,650 hectares—roughly equivalent to 6,512 football fields—have been burned in Euiseong, leaving more than 390 people displaced. The fires showed no immediate signs of abating. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged emergency responders to make an “all-out effort” to extinguish the blazes before sunset.
Choi also announced that the government will provide a special disaster and safety grant of 2.6 billion won (US$177.4 million) to support recovery efforts in the three worst-affected regions—Sancheong, Euiseong, and Ulju. Additionally, 50 million won will be allocated in disaster relief funds to assist evacuees and victims in Sancheong. Officials are considering designating Euiseong and Ulju as special disaster zones, following Sancheong’s designation.
High Alert as Fires Continue to Spread
The South Korean government has declared North North and South Gyeongsang provinces and the southeastern city of Ulsan as disaster zones. Emergency teams remain on high alert, deploying additional resources as needed.
Authorities have asked fire departments to put all available resources to bring the situation under control. Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk called an emergency meeting with senior secretaries and stressed the need for a coordinated response. “As strong winds are expected tomorrow, it was agreed that efforts should be focused on extinguishing the main fire before sunset today while ensuring thorough preparations for nighttime operations,” a presidential office official said.
As of Sunday afternoon, firefighters had managed to contain approximately 50-70% of the blaze in the three worst-affected regions. However, the situation looks worse, and authorities continue to urge residents in high-risk areas to remain prepared for further evacuation orders.
In recent history, this is the worst wildfires that South Korea isfacing. The government is scrambling to prevent further loss of life and minimize damage as the country braces for continued challenges in the coming days.
