In a significant development for South Korea, the country’s most devastating wildfires have largely been brought under control. Thanks to a combination of rainfall and cooler temperatures, firefighting teams have managed to suppress the blazes, which have, since last week, claimed the lives of 28 individuals and destroyed extensive areas of land.
During a televised update, Lim Sang-seop, head of the Korea Forest Service, announced that the primary fires raging in four of the most severely affected southeastern regions have been fully extinguished. Currently, fire-fighting efforts are focused on just one remaining area, according to the forest service’s online updates. Previously, the government’s disaster response operations confirmed that fires in other locations were extinguished.
Lim emphasized the continuation of efforts in handling smaller fires and warned of the potential for new wildfires, underlining the importance of remaining vigilant to prevent further outbreaks. The wildfires, exacerbated by windy and dry weather conditions, had already devastated thousands of homes, factories, and vehicles. Additionally, large tracts of forested hills and mountains were reduced to ashes. However, the rain that started on Thursday and a drop in temperatures made firefighting conditions more favorable.
Thanks to decreased haze and improved visibility, firefighting is now in a more conducive environment. On Friday, over 9,000 personnel, 125 helicopters, and numerous vehicles were deployed to combat the blazes. Tens of thousands of residents abandoned their homes in search of safety.
Firefighters, many of whom belong to the rapidly aging population demographic, battled the fires in protective gear. Meanwhile, helicopters continuously poured water over the fiery hills. Displaced residents took refuge in makeshift shelters like schools and gyms, but fires sometimes threatened these shelters as well. Powerful images circulated, such as one showing fires approaching a school soccer field under a smoke-filled sky.
Seo Jae Tak, aged 79, expressed her anguish from a gym in Andong city, describing the devastation of her mountain home, unable to articulate her grief except through tears. Since the fire outbreak last Friday, it has consumed 47,860 hectares (118,265 acres) of land, displaced over 30,000 people, and injured 37, with approximately 8,000 remaining in temporary accommodations by Friday.
In response to the unprecedented scale of the fires, governmental and environmental officials are considering a complete reevaluation of South Korea’s wildfire strategies. With scientists linking more frequent severe weather events to climate change, including wildfires, there’s a pressing need to adapt. Lee Cheol-woo, governor of North Gyeongsang Province, underscored the urgency to revamp evacuation protocols, enhance firefighting tools like aircraft with water cannons, and improve nighttime firefighting capabilities.
The toll has been particularly harsh on older residents, with most fatalities being individuals aged 60 or above, including a pilot who perished when his helicopter crashed mid-response, and four firefighters entrapped by swift-moving flames. Evacuating has been particularly challenging for this age group.
Cultural heritage also suffered, with the Gounsa temple complex’s historic structures incurring damage from the fires, marring edifices that date back to the 7th century, including two state-recognized treasures. This disaster calls for a reevaluation of both disaster management approaches and preservation measures for South Korea’s historic sites.