Photo by Soly Moses
On Thursday, helicopters released water over a forest engulfed in flames in South Korea, as firefighting teams faced challenges in managing the nation’s most devastating wildfires to date. These fires have resulted in 26 fatalities, displaced at least 37,000 individuals, and led to the destruction of over 300 buildings.
Since last Friday, multiple wildfires, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, have been sweeping through the southeastern parts of South Korea. The government has deployed thousands of personnel, numerous helicopters, and various resources to combat the fires; however, the strong winds are hindering their efforts.
Rain was anticipated later on Thursday, but Lim Sang-seop, the head of the Korea Forest Service, indicated that the expected precipitation of less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) would likely be insufficient to significantly aid in extinguishing the fires.
Among the deceased are a pilot whose helicopter crashed while battling the flames on Wednesday, as well as four firefighters and other personnel who perished after being trapped by rapidly advancing fire.
Authorities have not provided specific information regarding the civilian casualties, noting that most victims are individuals in their 60s or older, who either struggled to evacuate quickly or declined to follow evacuation orders.
Investigations suggest that human error may have contributed to several of the wildfires, including incidents where individuals ignited fires while clearing overgrown grass from family graves or due to sparks generated during welding activities.
Lee Han-kyung, the deputy head of the government’s disaster response center, remarked in a meeting on Thursday that the wildfires have once again highlighted “the reality of the climate crisis that we have yet to confront,” as reported by Yonhap news agency. Attempts to reach his center for further comments were unsuccessful.
Researchers indicate that the increasing global temperatures are leading to more severe weather phenomena, such as wildfires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and heatwaves, which result in fatalities and inflict billions of dollars in damages annually.
According to the disaster response center, wildfires have consumed 36,010 hectares (88,980 acres) of land, marking the most significant loss of this nature recorded in South Korea.
The report highlights that these fires have resulted in injuries to 30 individuals, with eight suffering serious harm, destroyed 325 buildings and structures, and necessitated the evacuation of over 37,180 residents.
As of Thursday morning, the center reported that more than 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters were being deployed to combat the wildfires.
In Cheongsong, one of the affected regions, thick smoke was billowing from Juwang Mountain on Thursday morning. Helicopters were seen repeatedly flying over the mountain to drop water, and the volume of smoke appeared to decrease later on.
At a nearby Buddhist temple, workers were seen covering a stone pagoda and other structures with fire-resistant materials, while firefighters were actively dousing areas close to the temple.
The regions most severely impacted include the city of Andong, along with the adjacent counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, as well as the city of Ulsan.
On Wednesday night, strong winds and smoke-laden skies prompted authorities in the southeastern city of Andong to issue evacuation orders for two villages, including Puncheon, which is home to the Hahoe folk village—a UNESCO World Heritage Site established around the 14th to 15th century. Hikers were also advised to vacate the picturesque Jiri Mountain as another fire approached.
In the past week, wildfires have ravaged homes, factories, and several historic sites. In Uiseong, approximately 20 out of the 30 buildings within the Gounsa temple complex, believed to have been established in the 7th century, have been consumed by flames.
Among the destroyed structures were two designated “treasures” of the state: a pavilion built in 1668 that overlooks a stream and a structure from the Joseon dynasty, constructed in 1904 to commemorate a king’s longevity.
The Korea Forest Service has issued its highest wildfire warning, prompting local authorities to deploy additional personnel for emergency response, enforce stricter access regulations for forests and parks, and advise military units to refrain from live-fire training exercises.
