Two firefighters who were responding to forest fires in South Korea lost their lives. A national disaster situation was declared in the country.

According to Yonhap, a forest fire broke out in Ulsan, South Korea at 15:26 local time, where strong winds were effective.

The firefighters lost their lives in the fire, which was made difficult to extinguish by the strong winds. Authorities stated that the identities of the firefighters have not yet been determined, and the causes of death will be investigated. Officials emphasized that 60% of the fire, which has burned approximately 290 hectares, is under control, and hundreds of affected people have been evacuated to safe areas. Officials stated that the person who first reported the fire claimed that it started from a spark during grass cutting, but they are waiting for complete extinguishment to determine the exact cause. Forest fire reports were made in 16 different locations across the country. NATIONAL DISASTER SITUATION DECLARED

The South Korean government declared a national disaster situation due to the forest fires in Ulsan city and the southeast regions. A statement from the South Korean Ministry of the Interior announced that the measure came into effect at 18:00 local time in Ulsan city, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang provinces. Acting on behalf of the presidency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Choi Sang-mok instructed government officials to consider declaring the affected areas as special disaster zones.