South Korea is currently facing some of the worst wildfires in the country’s history, with at least 18 people confirmed dead and 19 injured as of Wednesday. The fires, which began on Friday in the country’s southeast, have destroyed over 200 buildings and scorched tens of thousands of acres of land. More than 27,000 people have been evacuated, including 500 inmates from a nearby prison. The fires were fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for fire crews to contain them.
Acting President Han Duck-soo, who was reinstated earlier this week after being impeached in December, stated that the wildfires appeared to be breaking records for the worst in the country. The fires have spread beyond initial predictions, threatening the 600-year-old Andong Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Residents of the village described the blaze as “the devil” on social media, expressing frustration at the lack of progress in extinguishing it. Two ancient Buddhist temples were among the buildings damaged, including the Gounsa temple which managed to remove some treasures, such as a stone Buddha statue, before the fire reached it.
Firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the blazes, with efforts slowed by strong winds of up to 56 miles per hour on Tuesday. Despite their efforts, eight fires were still burning as of Wednesday morning, up from six on Monday. The government reported that nearly 70 percent of the largest blaze in Euiseong County had been contained, but further progress was hindered by the challenging weather conditions. Local officials closed off roads, suspended train services, and some areas lost power due to the fires.
The first blaze started in Sancheong County on Friday afternoon, with additional fires breaking out in nearby counties and cities in the following days. The Interior Ministry is investigating claims that a farmer’s lawn mower started the initial fire, with other episodes starting at a graveyard and a garbage incinerator. Officials attributed the rapid spread of the fires to dry weather conditions, which allowed the flames to quickly engulf surrounding areas. The Justice Ministry has transferred around 500 inmates in North Gyeongsang Province as a precautionary measure.
The Korean Heritage Service expressed concern over the damage caused by the fires, particularly to historical sites such as the ancient Buddhist temples. Videos from local news stations showed the inferno surrounding the temples, with flames and smoke closing in on the buildings. This devastating impact has sparked a sense of urgency among firefighters and emergency responders, who are working tirelessly to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of those affected. The fires have also raised questions about the country’s preparedness for natural disasters and the need for better preventative measures in the future to mitigate the risk of such destructive wildfires.
