South Korea battles worst wildfires in history, 18 dead and thousands displaced

Helicopters and troops deployed but flames remain difficult to control.

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South Korea is battling one of the most destructive wildfire crises in its history, with at least 18 people dead and over 27,000 evacuated from southeastern cities and towns, including Andong, Uiseong, and Ulsan.

The wildfires, which began on Friday, have swept through more than 17,400 hectares (43,000 acres) of land, fuelled by strong winds and abnormally dry conditions. Authorities fear the worst is yet to come as forecasts offer little chance of rain.

Among the fatalities are four firefighters and civil servants who were caught in fast-moving flames over the weekend. At least 20 others have been injured, with many communities left in ruins.

One of the most devastating losses was the destruction of the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. Although some national treasures, including a stone Buddha statue, were rescued, much of the wooden structure was consumed by the fire.

 

 

 

 

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In a televised address, acting president Han Duck-soo called the wildfires “unprecedented” and said the country was facing “damages we have never experienced before.”

“All available resources, personnel and equipment are being deployed, but the situation is not good,” Han said. “We were desperately hoping for rain to help extinguish the flames.”

Over 9,000 emergency responders, including 5,000 soldiers and firefighters, have been mobilised, with support from 130 helicopters and hundreds of vehicles. The national fire agency raised the alert to its highest level for the first time this year.

On Tuesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed in the mountains of Uiseong County. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Several cultural heritage sites are under threat, including the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Confucian Academy. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and gymnasiums to house displaced residents.

In Yeongdeok, the fires forced the evacuation of multiple villages and reportedly triggered the relocation of over 2,600 inmates from a nearby prison.

Officials suspect human activity may have started the fires — possibly from welding sparks or grass burning near ancestral tombs.

Experts have linked the scale and frequency of such wildfires to climate change. South Korea is experiencing a significantly drier than average season, with more than 240 wildfires recorded this year alone — 2.4 times higher than the same period in 2024.

Forest specialist Lee Byung-doo said, “We must accept that climate change is fuelling larger wildfires and increase resources and manpower accordingly.”

Han Duck-soo promised a full review of the wildfire response once the crisis subsides and stressed the need for improved prevention measures, including stronger penalties for illegal burning.

“This level of damage is unlike anything we’ve seen. Once wildfires start, they require enormous effort and risk lives to control,” Han said.