Multiple wildfires in South Korea’s southeastern regions have resulted in 26 deaths, 37,000 evacuations, and the destruction of over 300 structures. Efforts to contain the blazes have been hampered by strong winds, with helicopters dropping water over burning forests. The fires have burned nearly 89,000 acres of land, the worst figure in South Korea’s history. Authorities suspect human error, such as starting fires while clearing grass or sparks from welding work, may have contributed to the wildfires. Thousands of people and dozens of helicopters are being mobilized to battle the blazes. The government has raised its wildfire warning to the highest level, implementing measures such as tighter forest entry restrictions and recommending military units to withhold live-fire exercises. Damages include destroyed homes, historic structures, and injuries to 30 people, eight of them serious. Efforts to extinguish the fires have been challenging, with firefighters facing difficulties due to wind and dry conditions. The situation has prompted acting President Han Duck-soo to urge the concentration of all capabilities on putting out the wildfires. The hardest-hit areas include Andong city, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan, with evacuations ordered in villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Hahoe folk village impacted. Despite some progress in extinguishing flames, the fires have continued to spread due to weather conditions.
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