South Korea Endures Historic Wildfires, Leaving 18 Dead and Thousands Displaced

The historic wildfires in South Korea have resulted in at least 18 fatalities and widespread evacuations, as over 23,000 people flee the flames. The fires, deemed the worst in the country's history, have destroyed small and significant structures alike, prompting an increased emergency response.

At least 18 lives have been lost and 19 individuals injured as South Korea grapples with wildfires that are being described as "unprecedented," according to the latest reports from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Acting President Han Duck-soo stated that the ongoing crisis is "rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation's history.” More than 23,000 residents have been evacuated, while numerous structures, including culturally significant heritage sites, face destruction. Amongst the losses is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple that has been entirely consumed by flames.

On Wednesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County, where officials are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Thousands of firefighters along with 5,000 military personnel have been dispatched to combat multiple out-of-control fires, supported by helicopters from the U.S. military based in Korea.

The national fire agency escalated the crisis level to the highest response category for the first time this year, highlighting the severity of the situation. Historically, wildfires in South Korea are relatively rare and fatalities are uncommon; however, this wave of fires has already emerged as the deadliest in recorded history with 18 confirmed deaths in just days. Approximately 17,000 hectares of forestry have also been devastated, marking it as one of the largest wildfire incidents to date in terms of burnt area.

Among the stricken cultural sites is the historic Gounsa Temple, founded in 618 AD, which was one of the largest in the region and a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty. Acting President Han noted that despite mobilizing all available resources, the relentless winds are significantly complicating firefighting efforts. “We were desperately hoping for rain today or tomorrow to help douse the flames,” he expressed, lamenting the expected lack of precipitation.

With South Korea facing drier-than-average conditions this year, the nation has recorded 244 wildfires to date—2.4 times the number reported last year. The government has pledged to enhance monitoring against illegal burning, one of the key contributing factors to such wildfires, and to address individual negligence.

The wildfires initially ignited last Friday in Sancheong County but rapidly spread to neighboring regions, including Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.