At least 24 people have died and dozens more have been injured as wildfires rage across South Korea's southeastern region, marking one of the worst wildfire outbreaks in the country’s history. The blazes, which began on March 21, have forced around 27,000 residents to evacuate their homes, with thousands of firefighters and military personnel deployed to combat the rapidly spreading flames.
The wildfires broke out initially in Sancheong county in Northern Gyeongsang province and quickly spread to neighboring Uiseong county, located about 180 kilometers (111 miles) southeast of Seoul. The fires have since advanced into Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok counties, devastating entire neighborhoods and destroying over 200 buildings, including ancient temples.
As of March 26, the fires have charred more than 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres), with the blaze in Uiseong county alone accounting for approximately 87 percent of the total area burned. Acting President Han Duck-soo has described the situation as “unprecedented,” stating that the wildfires are exceeding all prediction models for such disasters. “Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day... are causing unprecedented damage,” Han said during an emergency meeting.
Among the casualties is a pilot who died when his firefighting helicopter crashed in a mountainous area while battling the flames. Additionally, four victims were found dead on a road after attempting to escape the fires but tragically overturned their vehicle. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to assess the damage.
“The wildfire is currently about 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) from Hahoe Folk Village,” an official at the Korea Heritage Service reported, adding that the historic site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now under an emergency alert. Firefighters are on standby, spraying water and fire retardants around the village to prevent the fire from encroaching further.
In a desperate attempt to control the blazes, the government has mobilized approximately 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel, along with 146 helicopters. However, strong winds reaching speeds of 25 meters per second have hampered firefighting efforts, forcing the suspension of aerial operations. “The wind was so strong,” said Kwon So-han, a 79-year-old resident of Andong who had to flee his home. “The fire came from the mountain and fell on my house.”
The fires have also threatened several national treasures. The Goun Temple, an ancient site built in 681, has already been partially destroyed, with national treasures stored there being relocated for safety. Authorities have designated the affected areas as special disaster zones, enabling them to allocate more resources and personnel to the firefighting efforts.
Experts have pointed to climate change as a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and intensity of such wildfires. Last year was recorded as South Korea's hottest year, with average temperatures rising significantly. “We can’t say that it’s only due to climate change, but climate change is directly and indirectly affecting the changes we are experiencing now,” said Yeh Sang-Wook, a climatology professor at Hanyang University.
The wildfires have raised concerns about the adequacy of South Korea’s firefighting resources. The Korea Forest Service has acknowledged that it needs to secure more firefighting helicopters, as many of its Russian helicopters are out of commission due to sanctions related to the Ukraine war. As of March 26, 87 helicopters were actively deployed, but the demand for more aerial support is pressing.
In light of the ongoing crisis, the government has transferred approximately 500 inmates from a local prison to facilities outside the fire danger zone. This precautionary measure underscores the severity of the situation, as authorities scramble to contain the wildfires and protect the safety of both residents and inmates.
As the fires continue to rage, the South Korean military and local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the disaster. The government has raised the crisis alert to its highest level, reflecting the gravity of the situation. “Damages are snowballing,” President Han stated, emphasizing the need for concentrated efforts to extinguish the wildfires.
The wildfires are a stark reminder of the increasing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions. As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and safety protocols.
The scale of the destruction has left many residents in shock, as they recount their harrowing experiences. “Those who haven’t experienced it won’t know,” Kwon said, reflecting on the chaos that ensued during the evacuation. “I could only bring my body.”
As South Korea battles these wildfires, the nation stands united in its efforts to recover and rebuild, facing one of the most significant environmental challenges in its recent history.
