South Korea declares state of emergency

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security, the measure took effect on Saturday in the city of Ulsan in Gyeongsang Province.

The announcement was made on the recommendation of Acting President Choi Sang-mok to implement comprehensive measures to combat the natural disaster. He has already visited the scene and ordered relevant agencies to make maximum efforts to mobilize all possible equipment and personnel to put out the fire before sunset.

Hundreds of residents of Sancheon County were evacuated as strong winds hampered firefighting efforts.

As of 3:00 p.m. local time, 65% of the fires were contained, compared to 70% at 10:30 a.m. The fire area has also increased to 290 hectares.

Local authorities also reported that two firefighters were found dead.

Authorities plan to determine the exact cause of the fire after it is extinguished. It has been confirmed that the person who first reported the fire said that the fire was started by a spark while mowing the grass.