South Korea Battles Devastating Wildfires Amidst Dry Winds

South Korean firefighters are close to containing massive wildfires fueled by dry winds, affecting over 36,300 acres in the southeastern regions. Despite progress, the blazes left four firefighters dead and forced 5,400 evacuations. Officials suspect human error as a potential cause for several fires.

South Korean firefighters made significant strides on Tuesday in their battle against extensive wildfires in the country's southeast. The fires, intensified by dry winds, have already consumed more than 36,300 acres over five days.

Thousands of firefighters, aided by hundreds of vehicles and over 100 helicopters, worked tirelessly to put out the fires in regions including Sancheong county, Uiseong, and Ulsan city, according to the Korea Forest Service. So far, they have extinguished about 90% of the fires in Sancheong and Uiseong, and over half in Ulsan, with continuing efforts in southern regions.

The fires have tragically taken the lives of four firefighters, injured at least 11, and prompted the evacuation of more than 5,400 residents while damaging or destroying around 150 buildings. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo promised extensive efforts to control the wildfires and identified human error as a possible cause.

(With inputs from agencies.)