Seoul: The South Korean government declared a state of national disaster on Saturday in response to extensive wildfires that have ravaged Ulsan city and surrounding southeastern regions. This urgent measure was enacted for Ulsan city, North Gyeongsang Province, and South Gyeongsang Province from 6 p.m., as reported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the declaration was made following a recommendation from acting President Choi Sang-mok, who emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to combat the disaster and support recovery efforts. Choi urged officials to consider labeling the affected areas as special disaster zones.

In preparation for dealing with the crisis, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, led by acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong, commenced operations shortly before the declaration. The wildfires, which began in Ulsan city and other southeastern counties such as Sancheong County, have prompted evacuation orders for hundreds of villagers in Sancheong due to strong winds complicating firefighting efforts.

As of 3 p.m., efforts had managed to extinguish 65 percent of the fires, a reduction from 70 percent earlier in the day. The wildfires have spread over an area of 290 hectares. Tragically, the Sancheong county office reported the deaths of two firefighters, with their identities and causes of death still under investigation by police and fire authorities.

Acting President Choi visited the affected areas, directing agencies to deploy all available resources to contain the fires before nightfall. He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of residents and firefighting personnel, while also preparing for the possibility that the fires might persist overnight.

In response to the escalating situation, authorities implemented the highest level of response measures approximately three hours after the fires initially broke out at 3:26 p.m. on Friday. The Korea Forest Service also elevated the wildfire emergency level to its peak as of 3:30 p.m., with reports of 16 wildfires nationwide exacerbated by strong winds.

Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the wildfires, with initial reports indicating that a spark during mowing may have ignited the blaze.