South Korea declares state of emergency as wildfire spreads, leaving four dead

SEOUL, March 23 — A raging wildfire in southeastern South Korea has claimed the lives of three firefighters and a public servant, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The fire ignited in Sancheong County on Friday afternoon, leading to the deployment of 304 personnel and 20 helicopters, according to South Korea’s Interior Ministry. More than 200 residents from 15 villages have been ordered to evacuate.

“A total of four casualties—three firefighters and one public servant—have been confirmed,” an official from the fire agency told AFP.

The Korea Forest Service reported 16 separate wildfire incidents on Saturday alone, underscoring the widespread nature of the crisis. In response, the Interior Ministry declared a state of emergency in Ulsan, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang provinces, citing the "extensive damage caused by simultaneous wildfires across the country."

The forest agency has issued "severe" fire warnings—its highest alert level—in 12 locations, including Busan, Daejeon, and both Gyeongsang provinces.

Highways in affected regions have been partially closed for safety reasons, according to local reports.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has instructed agencies to “mobilize all available resources to quickly contain the fire”, his office stated.

While extreme weather events like heatwaves and heavy rainfall have well-documented links to climate change, wildfires, droughts, and tropical storms often result from a combination of complex factors. — AFP