Head of Central Disaster Headquarters "Concerns Over Further Wildfire Spread and Public Damage"

Ko Gidong, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for the wildfire (Acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), stated on the 22nd, "Dry weather and wind are expected to continue for the time being, raising concerns about further wildfire spread and damage to the public."

In his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting held that day, Ko said, "Simultaneous large-scale wildfires are occurring mainly in the Ulsan and Gyeongsang regions."

He added, "The wildfire that broke out yesterday in Sancheong, Gyeongnam, is being extinguished with the deployment of large helicopters for the second day, but the fire is spreading due to strong winds, making suppression difficult." In Sancheong, where the wildfire response 'Level 3' has been declared, about 1,300 personnel including special firefighting teams, professional firefighting teams, public officials, police, firefighters, and soldiers, along with 120 pieces of equipment, have been deployed, but the large flames have not been contained for two days.

Ko said, "Unfortunately, there have been casualties during the firefighting process. Two firefighters working on the ground in Sancheong have passed away, and two other firefighters assisting with the firefighting are currently missing." He expressed condolences, saying, "I pray for the souls of those who sacrificed their lives due to the wildfire and extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and many others affected."

Ko stated, "The government is making every effort to deploy all available resources to extinguish the spreading wildfires and will promptly prepare support measures so that those affected can return to their daily lives as soon as possible."

As the wildfire continued to spread and firefighting efforts faced difficulties, the government declared a state of disaster at 6 p.m. in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam provinces to take emergency measures such as mobilizing resources, issuing evacuation orders, and designating danger zones. According to the Korea Forest Service's real-time wildfire information, 30 new wildfires occurred on that day alone. As of 8 p.m., five wildfires are currently being extinguished.