South Korea is battling some of the country’s most devastating wildfires, with at least 24 people confirmed dead and 27,000 others evacuated as the fires rage across the southeast, fueled by strong winds.
Among the victims were four firefighters and government workers, who tragically lost their lives in Sancheong on Saturday after being trapped by the rapidly spreading flames.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the fires as “unprecedented” and warned that the damage could be among the worst in South Korea’s history. “We have to concentrate all our capabilities to put out the wildfires in the rest of this week,” Han said, acknowledging that strong winds have made firefighting efforts even more challenging. As of Wednesday, approximately 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel were engaged in the battle to contain the fires, with support from around 130 helicopters.
The fires have heavily affected areas including Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan, according to South Korea’s Interior Ministry. Approximately 43,330 acres have been scorched, and 19 people have been injured, according to the government’s emergency response center.
In Uiseong, the fire destroyed the Gounsa temple, which was originally built in the 7th century. Among the losses were two state-designated “treasures”—a 1668 pavilion and a 1904 Joseon Dynasty structure. Thankfully, the temple’s stone Buddha statue, a state-designated “treasure” from the 8th century, was safely evacuated. Officials also reported a helicopter crash during firefighting efforts in the town.
The Korea Forest Service has raised its wildfire warning to the highest “serious” level nationwide, urging local governments to increase emergency response efforts and tighten restrictions on forest and park access. While the exact cause of the fires is still under investigation, government officials suspect human error, including the use of fire to clear overgrown grass or sparks from welding work.
