26.03.2025 09:33
The death toll from the forest fires in South Korea has risen to 18, with one person reported missing. It has been reported that a pilot also lost their life due to the crash of a firefighting helicopter.
Forest fires that have been affecting South Gyeongsang and North Gyeongsang provinces in South Korea since Friday have not been extinguished despite all efforts. According to local authorities, it has been reported that 2 more people have lost their lives in the fires, raising the death toll to 18. One person has also been reported missing. Meanwhile, it was announced that one pilot lost his life when a firefighting helicopter participating in operations in the Uiseong region of North Gyeongsang province crashed in a mountainous area. A detailed investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
HAN: "THE WORST FOREST FIRES SO FAR"
South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo stated in a statement regarding the ongoing fires, "The record for the worst forest fire so far is being broken." Emphasizing that they are making intense efforts to combat the disaster, Han said, "We are mobilizing all available personnel and equipment to fight the worst forest fires we have ever faced. However, the situation is unusual."
WARNED CITIZENS ABOUT FIRE RISKS
Reminding that they have taken steps such as issuing warnings against the fires, mobilizing firefighting organizations, and declaring special disaster areas, Han stated that 128 helicopters, 1,144 military personnel, 3,135 firefighting personnel, 1,186 support personnel, and 4,652 public officials participated in the extinguishing efforts. Noting that 17,000 hectares of forested area have burned and 209 structures have been damaged, Han said, "We must focus on extinguishing the forest fires for the remainder of the week with all our resources." Calling on citizens to be cautious about new fires, Han warned, "Please do not burn fields or other types of waste and do not throw cigarette butts into nature. Be careful with flammable materials that could cause forest fires."
AT LEAST 19 PEOPLE WERE INJURED
The forest fires that started in South Gyeongsang province on Friday had also spread to North Gyeongsang province. Due to the fires, which spread rapidly over a wide area due to dry weather and winds, at least 5,500 people had been evacuated to safe areas. It was also reported that at least 19 people were injured.