In response to the fast moving wildfire, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon convened an emergency ministerial meeting on Friday morning.
The PM called for prompt emergency responses and rescue operations from all related ministries and agencies, including the Korea Forest Service and Korea National Fire Agency, who are on the ground as well as in Seoul overseeing the situation.
"We cannot prevent natural disasters, but it is vital to minimize the damage. The priority is to minimize loss of life when it comes to all policies. Preventing damages in residential and working areas is the top priority."
The Prime Minister also said the government has declared a state of disaster, and that he would be heading to the affected region after the meeting.