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South Korea Grapples with Devastating Wildfires, Declared Nation’s Worst Fire Disaster
South Korea wildfires have intensified dramatically, doubling in size within a single day, prompting authorities to declare the conflagrations the nation’s worst ever natural fire disaster. Tragically, at least 26 individuals have perished, and historic temples have been consumed by flames as severe wildfires sweep across the country.
Unprecedented Scale of Forest Fires
The most expansive of these wildfires, originating in central Uiseong county, has already scorched or continues to burn across more than 33,000 hectares (81,500 acres). This alarming extent cements it as the largest single forest fire in South Korea’s recorded history.
“Our nation faces a critical juncture as we grapple with numerous casualties resulting from the unprecedented and rapid propagation of these forest fires,” stated acting President Han Duck-soo during a government emergency response meeting, highlighting the severity of the natural disaster.
Mobilization and Firefighting Efforts
To combat the escalating inferno, the military has released reserves of aviation fuel, ensuring firefighting helicopters can continue their crucial mission of dousing flames throughout the mountainous regions of southeastern South Korea. These regions have been battling blazes for nearly a week. Officials report that over 300 structures have already been destroyed by the relentless wildfires.
As of Thursday morning, disaster response centers confirmed the mobilization of over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters in a concerted effort to suppress the widespread fires.
Record-Breaking Wildfire Damage
The nation’s disaster management chief has confirmed that these wildfires have become “the largest on record,” surpassing all previous blazes in terms of forest area consumed.
“The current wildfire is spreading at an alarming rate,” Lee Han-kyung explained. “Forest damage has already reached 35,810 hectares, significantly exceeding the area devastated by the 2000 east coast wildfire, which was previously the largest recorded, by more than 10,000 hectares.”
Casualties and Origins of the Fires
Among the fatalities is a helicopter pilot who perished in a crash while participating in fire suppression operations. Tragically, four firefighters and other personnel also lost their lives after becoming trapped by rapidly advancing flames fueled by strong winds.
Authorities have indicated that the civilian casualties are primarily individuals in their 60s and 70s. Initial investigations suggest human negligence may be responsible for several of the wildfires, which ignited last Friday. Potential causes include individuals starting fires while clearing vegetation from ancestral burial sites, and sparks generated during welding activities.
Threat to Cultural Heritage Sites
The relentless wildfires posed a significant threat to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy – located in Andong city. Fire retardants were deployed in an attempt to safeguard these culturally significant locations, according to city officials.
Andong, along with neighboring Uiseong and Sancheong counties, as well as Ulsan city, have been the areas most severely impacted. On Wednesday night, powerful winds and smoke-filled skies forced authorities in Andong, situated in the southeast, to mandate evacuations in two villages, including Puncheon, the location of the historic Hahoe folk village, which dates back to the 14th-15th century. Hikers were also advised to evacuate the scenic Jiri mountain as another fire approached.
Fire Spread and Weather Conditions
Originating in Uiseong, the wildfires have been propelled eastward at a rapid pace, nearly reaching the coast, driven by strong gusts of wind and exacerbated by persistently dry conditions.
While the meteorological agency has predicted some rainfall for the southwestern regions, precipitation is expected to remain below 5mm for the majority of the fire-affected areas. “The anticipated rainfall is minimal and unlikely to provide substantial assistance in extinguishing the fire,” commented Korea Forest Service Minister Lim Sang-seop, dampening hopes for natural relief.
Officials had previously indicated earlier in the week that firefighters had successfully contained most of the flames in critical areas affected by the largest wildfires. However, strong winds and continued dry conditions allowed the fires to reignite and spread further, demonstrating the volatile nature of the situation.
Devastation of Property and Historic Temples
The wildfires have resulted in widespread destruction, consuming houses, factories, vehicles, and historic structures. In Uiseong, approximately 20 out of 30 buildings within the Gounsa temple complex, believed to have been established in the 7th century, have been reduced to ashes. Among the destroyed structures were two state-designated “treasures”: a pavilion-style building constructed in 1668 overlooking a stream and a Joseon dynasty building erected in 1904 to commemorate a king’s long reign.
Elevated Wildfire Alert and Climate Change Concerns
The Korea Forest Service has elevated its wildfire warning to the highest possible level, mandating local governments to deploy additional personnel for emergency response, enforce stricter access restrictions to forests and parks, and recommend the suspension of live-fire exercises for military units.
Experts have noted the Uiseong fire‘s exceptionally rapid and extensive spread, highlighting it as an unusual event in terms of scale and speed. They further emphasize that climate change is projected to contribute to more frequent and destructive wildfires globally.
Climate Central, an independent organization comprising scientists and researchers, stated that elevated temperatures, intensified by human-induced climate change, have contributed to the prevailing seasonal dryness. This combination has transformed dry landscapes into highly flammable fuel, significantly increasing wildfire risk in the region, exacerbating the ongoing disaster in South Korea.