Deadly Wildfires in South Korea Claim 24 Lives as Fires Rage Uncontrollably

At least 24 people have tragically lost their lives as fierce wildfires continue to devastate South Korea’s southeastern region, marking one of the country’s deadliest fire crises.

The fires, which began in Sancheong County on Friday, have spread rapidly to surrounding areas, including Uiseong, Andong, and Cheongsong, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Most of the victims are elderly, with authorities reporting that many of those killed were in their 60s and 70s.

Additionally, about 26 people have been injured, with 12 of them in critical condition. Over 23,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes as the wildfires ravage vast areas, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that the wildfires are “rewriting the record books” as the worst the country has ever experienced.

In Uiseong, the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple, a historic cultural landmark, was consumed by the flames, although many valuable relics were salvaged and moved to safety.

The fires are being fueled by dry, strong winds, and the situation remains dire. Firefighters, along with around 5,000 military personnel, are working tirelessly to combat the fires.

However, the progress has been hindered by the strong winds that continue to spread the flames across neighboring counties.

The Uiseong fire, in particular, has been described as spreading at an “unimaginable” speed, according to Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert.

In a tragic turn of events, a firefighting helicopter crashed while trying to battle the blaze in Uiseong County, adding to the crisis.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

As wildfires are relatively rare in South Korea, this crisis has left the nation shaken. The fires have already destroyed approximately 17,000 hectares of forest, making this the third-largest wildfire in the country’s history in terms of area burned.

Residents who have witnessed the destruction firsthand have described scenes of devastation.

In Andong, truck driver Lee Seung-joo compared the flames to “literal hell,” while evacuees have been forced to flee their shelters as the fire spreads rapidly, driven by gusty winds.

Authorities are calling for rain to help quell the fires, but forecasts indicate that only minimal rainfall is expected in the coming days.

The government has pledged to review its wildfire response and implement stronger measures to prevent future disasters, including cracking down on illegal burning and negligence that contribute to these devastating fires.