At least two firefighters have died, and hundreds of residents were evacuated as South Korea battled more than 30 wildfires fueled by dry winds on Saturday.
The largest fires erupted in the southeastern regions, including Sancheong County, where around 260 people fled to temporary shelters as flames spread across the surrounding hills, according to the provincial government of South Gyeongsang.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of two firefighters, while another firefighter and a government official remain missing after being trapped by fast-moving flames driven by strong winds.
Rescue teams managed to recover five emergency workers, who are now receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
According to the Korea Forest Service, the wildfires in Sancheong have scorched more than 500 hectares (1,200 acres) as of Saturday evening local time.
Efforts to contain the fires have been challenging due to rugged mountain terrain and high winds.
Nearly 1,600 emergency responders, 35 helicopters, and dozens of fire trucks have been deployed, but only 35 percent of the blazes have been brought under control so far.
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