South Korea is struggling to contain forest fires that destroy the southeast of the country after more than twenty outbreaks occurred at the end of the week, killing four people and forcing thousands to flee.
Until Sunday (23) at night, nearly nine thousand firefighters, police, civil service staff and 120 helicopters were sent to five firefighting areas.
On Monday morning (24), firefighters, who also face the dry and suction cup conditions, extinguished almost all fires, leaving four outbreaks.
Yonhap News Agency said that four civilian employees were sent to combat the forest fire.
On Monday morning, the fire was not contained and nearly 15 square kilometers were burned.
Forest fires that erupted on Saturday (22) in Euiseong, Gyeongsang Do Norte; Olgo area in Ulsan; And Gimhae, Gyeongsang Do SUL, remained active on Monday.
The fire began in Euiseong by people who praised a grave and burned more than 68 square kilometers earlier this week, according to the report.
more than 2740 people were forced to go out due to firesMost of them were in shelters on Monday morning. About 162 buildings were damaged by forest fires, including a temple in Euiseong.
Saturday, then Prime Minister Choi sang He ordered the forest service to “do everything possible” to remove the population and ensure the safety of workers who fight fires, according to their office.
The government declared a state of emergency for the city of Ulsan, Gyeongsang Do SUL and the North, on Saturday.
Forest fires are not uncommon in South Korea, especially in February, March and April, when conditions are more dry.
