SEOUL, South Korea — In a devastating natural disaster, wildfires driven by strong winds have wreaked havoc across southern South Korea, resulting in the deaths of 24 people and leaving more than 28,800 residents displaced, according to officials on Wednesday.
The fires, among the most severe in the nation’s history, have obliterated over 300 structures, including homes, factories, and vehicles. Tragically, among the fatalities was a helicopter pilot whose aircraft crashed while responding to a blaze in Uiseong, one of the regions hardest hit. Reports indicate that most of those who lost their lives were in their 60s and 70s.
The National Fire Agency reported that at least 26 people sustained injuries of varying severity. The infernos have scorched a massive 17,752 hectares (43,866 acres) of land, encompassing an ancient Buddhist temple, as well as residential and industrial properties.
South Korea’s acting President, Han Duck-soo, addressed the nation on television, emphasizing that these wildfires are significantly more destructive than many in previous years. “Damages are snowballing,” Han stated worriedly, urging for a national focus on extinguishing these fires with the utmost intensity.
Efforts to curb the wildfires have faced challenges due to strong overnight winds that exacerbated the situation. Over 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and additional personnel have been deployed, alongside approximately 130 helicopters. There is a cautious hope for relief with forecasts predicting some rain, measuring 5-10 millimeters (0.1-0.3 inches), to fall on Thursday.
Despite these efforts, as of Wednesday evening, at least six wildfires remain active. In Yeongdeok, officials have instructed residents to evacuate to designated safe areas, such as indoor gymnasiums. In another alarming development, strong winds and low visibility due to smoke forced authorities in Andong—a city in the southeast—to order evacuations in communities including one housing the Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The scope of these wildfires ranks as the third largest in South Korean history in terms of the area affected. The most considerable fires have occurred in Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan. Although firefighters managed to contain the flames in some major areas, wind and arid weather continue to rekindle the fires’ intensity.
In Uiseong, the fires destroyed part of Gounsa, a historic temple dating back to the 7th century. Notably, among the damaged structures were two nationally recognized treasures: a pavilion constructed in 1668 and a Joseon dynasty-era building from 1904.
Preventative measures have been taken, including the preventive evacuation of 500 inmates from a detention facility in Cheongsong, although no damages have been reported there. The Korea Forest Service has escalated its wildfire alert to the highest level nationwide, directing local authorities to increase workforce deployment, enforce stricter access controls to forests and parks, and advise military units to suspend live-fire drills.
The fatalities also include four firefighters and government personnel who perished on Saturday in Sancheong when fast-moving fires trapped them, spurred by strong winds. Investigations suggest that human activity contributed to some fires, possibly from negligent use of fire for clearing vegetation at family burial sites or accidental sparks from welding tasks.