South Korea's southern region has recently experienced the most severe wind-driven wildfires in the country's history, resulting in at least 24 deaths, the destruction of over 200 buildings, and the evacuation of approximately 27,000 residents. Government officials announced this disastrous news on Wednesday, stating that they are making every effort to control the blaze. These efforts are being made to prevent further loss of life and property.
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04-01, 2025The victims include a pilot who died in a helicopter crash during firefighting operations in the southern town of Uiseong, one of the hardest-hit areas. It is understood that there were no other crew members on board the helicopter. Police reported that most of the victims were between 60 and 70 years old, indicating that the elderly population was significantly affected by the disaster. This highlights the vulnerability of older adults during such emergencies.
According to the Korea Fire Service, at least 26 people have sustained injuries of varying degrees. Data from the government's emergency center indicates that the wildfires have already burned 17,535 hectares of land, including an ancient Buddhist temple, homes, factories, and vehicles. The rapid spread of the fire has resulted in incalculable losses, emphasizing the need for swift and effective containment measures.
In a televised address, South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo stated that the wildfires, which began last Friday, are more severe than many previous incidents. He emphasized: "The losses are snowballing. We are concerned that we will suffer an unprecedented wildfire disaster, so we must concentrate all our efforts on extinguishing the remaining wildfires this week." The government is committed to providing all necessary resources to combat the fires.
Han Duck-soo pointed out that firefighters are having difficulty extinguishing the wildfires due to strong winds sweeping through the region overnight. He also stated that approximately 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel were engaged in firefighting efforts on Wednesday with the help of about 130 helicopters, and that "small" amounts of rainfall of 5-10 mm are expected on Thursday. As of Wednesday evening, firefighters were battling at least four active wildfires, including one in the southeastern coastal town of Yeongdeok, which has notified residents of nearby villages to evacuate to indoor gymnasiums. This coordinated response aims to protect lives and minimize damage.
Strong winds and smoke-filled skies have forced authorities in the southeastern city of Andong to order the evacuation of two villages, including Puncheon, home to the Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Hikers have been advised to leave the scenic Jiri Mountain, one of the country's largest national parks, as another fire spreads closer. Observers say that the current wildfires are the third largest in South Korean history in terms of land burned. The largest fires occurred in Andong, neighboring Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan. The scale of these fires underscores the need for improved prevention and response strategies.
On Tuesday, officials said firefighters had extinguished most of the flames of the largest wildfires in those areas, but wind and dry conditions caused them to spread again. The fire in Uiseong destroyed about 20 of the 30 buildings and structures at Gounsa, which is said to have been originally built in the 7th century. Among the buildings burned were two designated national "treasures" – a pavilion-style structure built in 1668 overlooking a stream, and a Joseon Dynasty building built in 1904 to commemorate a king's longevity. The loss of these cultural treasures is a significant blow to the nation's heritage.
Meanwhile, South Korea's Ministry of Justice stated that it has transferred 500 inmates from the Cheongsong Detention Center, another southern town, to a safe location, but no damage has been reported at the facility. The Korea Forest Service said it has raised the national wildfire warning level to its highest level, requiring local governments to allocate more staff to emergency response, tighten restrictions on access to forests and parks, and advise the military to halt live-fire exercises. These measures are aimed at preventing further outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
According to officials, the victims include four firefighters and government workers who died on Saturday after being trapped by fast-moving, wind-driven flames in Sancheong. Government officials suspect human error caused several of the fires, possibly due to the use of fire when clearing overgrown grass in family burial plots or sparks from welding work. This highlights the importance of public awareness and responsible behavior to prevent wildfires.
