Wildfires in southern South Korea claim at least 24 lives
Wind-driven wildfires, among the most severe in South Korea's history, are currently sweeping through the southern regions of the country, claiming the lives of 24 people, destroying over 200 structures, and forcing 27,000 residents to evacuate,...
TroibNews 
Wind-driven wildfires, among the most severe in South Korea's history, are currently sweeping through the southern regions of the country, claiming the lives of 24 people, destroying over 200 structures, and forcing 27,000 residents to evacuate, according to officials on Wednesday.
Authorities report that most of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, with around 26 individuals injured—12 of whom are in critical condition. Among the deceased is a pilot who perished when a helicopter crashed while battling the wildfires in Uiseong, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster. The aircraft did not have any additional crew members on board.
The wildfires ignited in Sancheong county on Friday afternoon and subsequently spread to Uiseong county. Fueled by strong, dry winds, these fires are now advancing toward neighboring counties, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
In a televised address, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo described the wildfires as the worst to date. “Damages are snowballing,” he stated. “There are concerns that we'll have wildfire damages that we've never experienced, so we have to concentrate all our capabilities to put out the wildfires in the rest of this week.”
President Han noted that efforts to contain the wildfires have been hampered by strong winds that swept through the regions overnight. Approximately 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel were engaged in operations on Wednesday, aided by around 130 helicopters. He mentioned that a “small amount” of 5-10 millimeters of rain was anticipated Thursday.
By Wednesday evening, firefighters were combating at least four active wildfires, including a significant blaze near the southeastern coastal town of Yeongdeok, prompting officials to alert residents of the nearest village to evacuate to an indoor gymnasium.
The combination of strong winds and smoke-filled skies forced authorities in the southeastern city of Andong to evacuate two villages, including Puncheon, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hahoe folk village, established around the 14th-15th century. Hikers were also advised to leave Jirisan Mountain, one of the nation's largest national parks, as another fire approached.
On Tuesday, officials reported that firefighters had largely extinguished the flames from the largest wildfires in those areas; however, strong winds and dry conditions allowed them to reignite. The fire in Uiseong devastated nearly half of more than 30 structures at Gounsa, a temple originally built in the 7th century. Among the structures damaged were two state-designated "treasures": a pavilion-shaped building from 1668 located over a stream, and a structure from the Joseon Dynasty constructed in 1904 to commemorate a king's longevity.
In response to the escalating situation, the Korea Forest Service elevated its wildfire warning to the highest level nationwide, obligating local governments to deploy more personnel for emergency response, enforce stricter entry regulations for forests and parks, and recommend that military units refrain from live-fire exercises.
Government officials have suggested that human error may have contributed to several of the wildfires, potentially stemming from activities such as burning debris while clearing overgrown grass in family burial sites or sparks created during welding operations.
Max Fischer contributed to this article for TROIB News
Authorities report that most of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, with around 26 individuals injured—12 of whom are in critical condition. Among the deceased is a pilot who perished when a helicopter crashed while battling the wildfires in Uiseong, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster. The aircraft did not have any additional crew members on board.
The wildfires ignited in Sancheong county on Friday afternoon and subsequently spread to Uiseong county. Fueled by strong, dry winds, these fires are now advancing toward neighboring counties, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
In a televised address, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo described the wildfires as the worst to date. “Damages are snowballing,” he stated. “There are concerns that we'll have wildfire damages that we've never experienced, so we have to concentrate all our capabilities to put out the wildfires in the rest of this week.”
President Han noted that efforts to contain the wildfires have been hampered by strong winds that swept through the regions overnight. Approximately 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel were engaged in operations on Wednesday, aided by around 130 helicopters. He mentioned that a “small amount” of 5-10 millimeters of rain was anticipated Thursday.
By Wednesday evening, firefighters were combating at least four active wildfires, including a significant blaze near the southeastern coastal town of Yeongdeok, prompting officials to alert residents of the nearest village to evacuate to an indoor gymnasium.
The combination of strong winds and smoke-filled skies forced authorities in the southeastern city of Andong to evacuate two villages, including Puncheon, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hahoe folk village, established around the 14th-15th century. Hikers were also advised to leave Jirisan Mountain, one of the nation's largest national parks, as another fire approached.
On Tuesday, officials reported that firefighters had largely extinguished the flames from the largest wildfires in those areas; however, strong winds and dry conditions allowed them to reignite. The fire in Uiseong devastated nearly half of more than 30 structures at Gounsa, a temple originally built in the 7th century. Among the structures damaged were two state-designated "treasures": a pavilion-shaped building from 1668 located over a stream, and a structure from the Joseon Dynasty constructed in 1904 to commemorate a king's longevity.
In response to the escalating situation, the Korea Forest Service elevated its wildfire warning to the highest level nationwide, obligating local governments to deploy more personnel for emergency response, enforce stricter entry regulations for forests and parks, and recommend that military units refrain from live-fire exercises.
Government officials have suggested that human error may have contributed to several of the wildfires, potentially stemming from activities such as burning debris while clearing overgrown grass in family burial sites or sparks created during welding operations.
Max Fischer contributed to this article for TROIB News
