At least 19 people have been killed and numerous others injured as wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the southeast of South Korea, prompting a national emergency response. The series of wildfires have been described as the worst in South Korea's history, leading to unprecedented destruction and loss of life.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, on March 26, 2025, the death toll had risen to 19, with at least 19 additional individuals suffering injuries related to the fires. These blazes have resulted in substantial evacuations totaling over 23,000 individuals from various affected communities, as fire officials strive to contain the rampaging infernos.
The situation escalated after a firefighting helicopter tragically crashed in Uiseong County on the same day, killing the pilot onboard. The helicopter was being utilized to battle the relentless flames spreading across the region. Local fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the crash, while the incident underscores the perilous conditions firefighters are facing.
Thousands of firefighters, supported by approximately 5,000 military personnel, have been deployed to combat multiple wildfires affecting various locations, including Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. The national fire agency raised the crisis level to its highest alert for the first time this year, indicating the intensity and urgency of the firefighting efforts.
“This level of wildfire damage is unlike anything we've experienced before,” remarked South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo. He further stated that the fires were rewriting the record books for wildfires in the nation, as it has been rare for such extreme events to occur in a typically moist climate. The Gounsa Temple, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist structure, was also lost to the flames, a blow to cultural heritage that resonates deeply with the community.
The fires began on March 21, 2025, in Sancheong County when a spark from a lawn mower ignited the dry vegetation. From there, the fires escalated, rapidly spreading across the metropolitan areas and consuming up to 17,398 hectares (nearly 43,000 acres) of land, marking it as the third largest wildfire in terms of area ever recorded in South Korea.
As part of emergency measures, authorities ordered residents of Andong and surrounding areas to evacuate due to advancing flames. In many places, firefighters are actively working to establish perimeters around historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hahoe Folk Village, to protect traditional homes known as "hanoks" from the threatened flames.
Overall, four civil servants who were dispatched to assist in combating the wildfire were among those lost, highlighting the dire risks faced by those on the front lines. Additionally, thousands of artifacts from the Gounsa Temple were damaged or lost, though some were relocated in time to prevent destruction.
In response to the devastation, Han Duck-soo has pledged to review the government's strategy to enhance wildfire prevention and response protocols moving forward. “Once a wildfire starts, extinguishing it requires tremendous resources and puts precious lives in danger,” he said, acknowledging the growing frequency of such disastrous events with 244 wildfires recorded this year alone—2.4 times more than in the same period the previous year.
As of March 26th, 68% of the fires in regions such as Uiseong and Andong have been contained; however, high winds continue to hinder firefighting efforts, complicating a return to stability within the affected communities. The combination of strong, dry winds alongside a lack of rainfall has created a tinderbox effect, allowing the fires to burn out of control.
Historically, wildfires have been infrequent in South Korea, especially at this time of year. In light of the ongoing crisis, local officials are calling for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to prevent carelessness that could lead to further fires as efforts to recover from the current devastation take precedence.
The government has enacted a strict state of emergency across various provinces, including South and North Gyeongsang, Ulsan city, and surrounding regions. The Korea Forest Service elevated its wildfire warning to the highest level, underscoring the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate further damage.
As the outlook continues to remain grim, authorities are hopeful for rain forecasted for later this week that may assist with suppression efforts. Yet, the damage anticipated from this unprecedented wildfire season is already being examined with concern for the long-term effects it could have on ecosystems, communities, and historical sites alike.
