SEOUL, Mar 23 (NNN-YONHAP) – The South Korean government declared a state of disaster, yesterday, over wildfires that broke out in the country’s south-eastern areas, including Ulsan city, North Gyeongsang province and South Gyeongsang province, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said.
A mountain fire first broke out in Sancheong County, in the province of South Gyeongsang on Friday afternoon, before the fire continued to spread yesterday.
More massive mountain fires erupted yesterday morning, in other parts of the south-eastern regions.
Acting President, Choi Sang-mok, inspected the situation in the affected places, ordered relevant authorities to work together to mobilise all equipment available, and bring the wildfires under complete control.
At around 3:30 p.m. local time yesterday, the Korea Forest Service, raised the national emergency alert level, in the most affected areas to its highest, which is the “severe” stage.
So far, four firefighters were reported dead and six were injured.– NNN-YONHAP
