Firefighters in South Korea are struggling to control massive wildfires that have claimed 27 lives, forced over 37,000 people to evacuate, and destroyed more than 300 structures. Helicopters continued dropping water over burning forests on Thursday as strong winds and dry conditions fueled the country's worst wildfires on record.
Since last Friday, multiple blazes have been raging across southeastern South Korea, prompting the government to deploy thousands of personnel, along with helicopters and specialized equipment. However, gusty winds have hindered containment efforts.
While rain is forecast for later Thursday, Korea Forest Service chief Lim Sang-seop warned that the expected precipitation—less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches)—is unlikely to significantly aid firefighting efforts.
Among the victims are a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while combating the fires, as well as four firefighters and emergency workers who were trapped by rapidly spreading flames. Authorities have not provided detailed information on the civilian casualties but noted that most were elderly individuals in their 60s or older, some of whom struggled to escape or refused to evacuate.
Investigators suspect human error in several fire outbreaks, with some ignited by people burning grass near family tombs or sparks from welding work.
Lee Han-kyung, deputy head of South Korea’s disaster response center, highlighted the role of climate change in the worsening wildfire crisis. “The wildfires again reveal the reality of the climate crisis we are experiencing,” he said, according to Yonhap news agency.
18 killed as wildfires devastate South Korea
Scientists have warned that global warming is leading to more extreme weather events, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and heat waves, causing massive casualties and financial losses worldwide.
As of Thursday, the wildfires have burned approximately 36,010 hectares (88,980 acres) of land—the most extensive damage of its kind in South Korea’s history. The disaster response center reported that 32 people have been injured, 325 buildings destroyed, and more than 37,180 people forced from their homes.
Authorities have mobilized over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters to combat the fires.
In Cheongsong, one of the affected areas, thick smoke billowed from Juwang Mountain on Thursday morning as helicopters repeatedly doused the flames with water. Later in the day, smoke appeared to have subsided.
Near the mountain, workers at a Buddhist temple covered a stone pagoda and other structures with fire-resistant materials, while firefighters drenched the surrounding area to prevent the flames from spreading.
The worst-hit areas include Andong city, the counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan.
On Wednesday night, authorities ordered the evacuation of two villages in Andong, including Puncheon, home to the UNESCO-listed Hahoe folk village, which dates back to the 14th-15th century. Meanwhile, hikers at the scenic Jiri Mountain were advised to leave as the fire spread closer.
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The blazes have destroyed homes, factories, and historic sites. At Uiseong’s Gounsa temple complex—originally built in the 7th century—around 20 of its 30 structures were lost, including two state-designated “treasures.” Among them was a 1668-built pavilion overlooking a stream and a 1904 structure from the Joseon dynasty, marking a king’s longevity.
The Korea Forest Service has raised its wildfire warning to the highest level, requiring local governments to deploy more emergency personnel, enforce stricter entry restrictions in forests and parks, and advise military units to suspend live-fire drills.
Source: With input from agnecy