At least 24 people have died as multiple wildfires rage across South Korea’s southeastern region, with thousands of firefighters and military personnel deployed in a bid to contain one of the country’s worst forest fires in decades. The deadly wildfires have spread rapidly, forcing more than 27,000 residents to flee their homes, and have razed entire neighborhoods, closed schools, and even compelled authorities to transfer thousands of inmates from prisons.
The wildfires, which began on March 21, 2025, have been exacerbated by strong winds and dry weather conditions. Acting President Han Duck-soo described the blazes as causing “unprecedented damage,” and noted that the situation was dire. “We are deploying all available personnel and equipment in response to the worst wildfires ever, but the situation is not good,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis.
As of March 26 at 5 a.m. (2100 GMT), the Safety Ministry reported that 14 fatalities were linked to a wildfire originating from Uiseong County, while four other deaths were attributed to a fire in Sancheong County. Many of the deceased were aged in their 60s and 70s, according to local police official Son Chang-ho. The Uiseong fire, currently only 68% contained, is being described by experts as having an unimaginable scale and speed.
In response to the escalating crisis, the military has mobilized approximately 6,000 personnel and 242 helicopters to assist in firefighting efforts. On March 26 alone, an additional 990 personnel and 48 helicopters were deployed. The military has also supplied around 20,000 pieces of relief goods, including blankets and ration packs, as well as 400,000 liters of petroleum to fuel helicopters operated by other government agencies. Four helicopters from the U.S. Forces Korea, including a UH-60 Blackhawk and a CH-47 Chinook, have also been dispatched to assist in the Sancheong area.
During an emergency safety and disaster meeting, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho emphasized the importance of proactively supporting residents affected by the wildfires while ensuring safety and health guidelines for deployed personnel. The government has raised the crisis alert to its highest level and taken the rare step of transferring thousands of inmates out of prisons in the area.
Eyewitness accounts provide a harrowing glimpse into the chaos caused by the wildfires. In the city of Andong, evacuees sheltering in an elementary school gym described having to flee so quickly that they could bring nothing with them. “The wind was so strong,” recounted 79-year-old resident Kwon So-han, who had to evacuate as flames approached his home. “The fire came from the mountain and fell on my house. Those who haven’t experienced it won’t know. I could only bring my body.”
As of March 26, the wildfires have charred approximately 17,398 hectares, with the Uiseong blaze alone accounting for 87% of the total area affected. The fires are now threatening several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong city. Tragically, the historic Goun Temple, built in 681, has already been consumed by the flames.
Strong winds, reaching speeds of 25 meters per second, have persisted, forcing the suspension of helicopter and drone operations. The changing wind patterns and dry weather have revealed the limitations of conventional firefighting methods, prompting officials to rethink their strategies. “Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day are causing unprecedented damage,” Han Duck-soo remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
Climate experts warn that such large-scale wildfires are likely to become more frequent due to climate change. Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, noted that 2024 was South Korea’s hottest year on record, with average annual temperatures reaching 14.5 degrees Celsius—two degrees higher than the preceding 30-year average. He mentioned that the region had been experiencing unusually dry weather, with below-average precipitation contributing to the fire risk.
The major fire in Uiseong was reportedly ignited by a person tending to a family grave who accidentally sparked the blaze. In light of the devastation, the government has promised to provide emergency relief and financial support to those displaced by the wildfires. Apple farmer Cho Jae-oak shared his experience, stating, “We kept spraying and guarded. When the fire was burning on the mountain, fireballs flew here,” illustrating the intense danger faced by residents.
The situation remains critical, with firefighters and military personnel continuing their efforts to contain the blazes. The government and local authorities are working tirelessly to provide support to those affected, as the country grapples with one of its most severe wildfire crises in history.
