South Korean fire crews are currently battling some of the worst wildfires ever seen in the country, with at least 19 people confirmed dead, including the pilot of a downed helicopter. The fires, which began on Friday in the southeast of the country, have caused damage to over 200 buildings and forced more than 27,000 people to evacuate.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the fires as breaking records for the worst wildfires in the country’s history, with the fires spreading beyond initial predictions. Among the buildings damaged were two ancient Buddhist temples, including the Gounsa temple with a stone Buddha statue.
Despite efforts by firefighters, the blaze was only 70 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, with strong winds hindering the use of helicopters and drones in the firefighting efforts. The fires have been fueled by dry conditions, and officials are investigating claims that a farmer’s lawn mower may have started the first blaze in Sancheong County.
In response to the fires, the government has evacuated residents from the Andong Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Local officials have closed off roads and suspended train services, while the Justice Ministry transferred around 500 inmates in North Gyeongsang Province to safety.
The fires have caused widespread devastation in the region, with residents expressing frustration at the lack of success in extinguishing the flames. Despite the challenges faced by firefighters, efforts are ongoing to contain and extinguish the remaining blazes.
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