At least 24 people have been killed as multiple wildfires continue to devastate South Korea’s southeast, with authorities reporting 26 injuries, including 12 in critical condition. Over 23,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing crisis.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the wildfires as “unprecedented,” stressing that they are “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history.” The blazes, which began in Sancheong County on Friday and quickly spread to Uiseong County, have already destroyed around 17,000 hectares of forest—making this one of the largest and deadliest wildfires in the country’s history.
The historic Gounsa temple, which dates back 1,300 years, was also consumed by flames in Uiseong, though many of its cultural relics were salvaged. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, are now threatening neighboring counties like Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County on Wednesday, further complicating efforts to contain the fires. Thousands of firefighters, military personnel, and U.S. military helicopters have been deployed to battle the blazes, with the national fire agency raising the crisis level to the highest alert.
This marks the deadliest wildfire season in South Korea’s history, with fatalities continuing to rise. Authorities are hoping for rain, but forecasts indicate minimal rainfall in the coming days. The government has vowed to review and strengthen its wildfire prevention measures once the crisis subsides.
