CHEONGSONG, South Korea — In response to South Korea’s most devastating wildfires to date, helicopters on Thursday were actively dispersing water over the blazing forests. Over the past week, these fires have led to 28 fatalities, prompted at least 37,800 people to evacuate their homes, and resulted in the destruction of thousands of buildings and vehicles.
Fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions, the multiple wildfires have been raging across southeastern South Korea since last Friday. The government is deploying thousands of fire personnel, numerous helicopters, and various equipment to combat the fires, although their efforts are being significantly hindered by gusty winds.
Rain was anticipated later on Thursday, but Lim Sang-seop, the Korea Forest Service chief, has stated that the forecasted rainfall — measuring less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) — is unlikely to significantly aid in putting out the fires.
The casualties include a helicopter pilot who died in a crash during firefighting operations on Wednesday, along with four other firefighters and workers who were overcome by rapidly advancing flames. Officials have provided limited information regarding the civilian victims, mentioning that they mostly consist of elderly individuals in their 60s or older who either struggled to evacuate quickly or chose not to leave despite evacuation orders.
Authorities suspect that human errors contributed to several of the wildfires, with some fires being ignited by people clearing grass near family tombs or accidental sparks during welding tasks. Lee Han-kyung, the deputy head of the disaster response center, remarked on Thursday that the wildfires illustrate “the reality of climate crisis that we have yet experienced.”
According to experts, the global climate is experiencing increased extreme weather events due to a warming atmosphere. This trend is causing more frequent wildfires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and heat waves that lead to human casualties and significant economic damage annually.
As reported by the disaster response center on Thursday, the wildfires have ravaged 38,665 hectares (95,543 acres) of land. This is viewed as an unprecedented situation in South Korea, making it the worst of its kind. Additionally, 32 people have sustained injuries, and over 2,600 structures, including homes and businesses, have been either damaged or destroyed.
By Thursday morning, authorities have mobilized over 9,000 personnel and around 120 helicopters to tackle the fires. In Cheongsong, one of the impacted areas, Juwang Mountain was producing dense smoke visible in the sky. Helicopters continuously flew over the landscape, dropping water to quench the flames. The smoke appeared to have lessened somewhat as the day progressed.
Preparedness efforts have been visible at a Buddhist temple near the mountain, where workers wrapped the stone pagoda and neighboring structures with fireproof materials, while firefighters focused on drenching nearby locations to prevent the spread of the fire.
The fires have severely impacted regions such as Andong city, and neighboring Uiseong and Sancheong counties, including the city of Ulsan. Due to high winds and thick smoke, authorities in Andong were prompted to evacuate two villages, one being Puncheon, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoe folk village. Hikers in the picturesque Jiri Mountain were advised to relocate as fires loomed closer.
Recent fires have led to the destruction of homes, factories, and some culturally significant sites. In Uiseong, around 20 of the 30 buildings at the Gounsa temple complex, originally constructed in the 7th century, were engulfed by flames. The losses included two state-designated “treasures” — a pavilion-style structure built over a stream in 1668 and a Joseon dynasty construction from 1904 celebrating a king’s longevity.
The Korea Forest Service currently has its wildfire warning at the highest alert level, prompting local governments to enhance emergency response personnel, restrict access to forests and parks, and advise military units to refrain from live-fire drills.