South Korea is grappling with one of its worst wildfire disasters, with wind-driven blazes ravaging the country’s southern regions, killing at least 24 people and forcing 27,000 residents to evacuate. The fires, which began last Friday, have destroyed over 200 structures, including an ancient Buddhist temple, and burned more than 43,000 acres of land.
The death toll includes a helicopter pilot who crashed while battling the flames, with most victims being elderly residents. Firefighters continue to struggle against strong winds, which have fueled the blazes and spread them to multiple locations, including the historic Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has warned that the scale of destruction is unprecedented, urging emergency services to mobilize all available resources to control the fires. More than 4,600 personnel, supported by 130 helicopters, are engaged in firefighting operations. However, dry conditions and high winds have made containment efforts difficult, leading to renewed flare-ups in several areas.
Authorities have raised the wildfire alert to its highest level, implementing strict entry restrictions in forests and national parks. Inmates from a detention center in Cheongsong were also evacuated as a precaution.
Officials believe human negligence may have triggered some of the fires, with potential causes including the use of fire to clear vegetation near tombs and welding sparks. Investigations are ongoing as the government intensifies measures to prevent further spread. South Korea has experienced devastating wildfires in the past, but officials fear that the current disaster may rank among the most destructive in the nation’s history.
