Screengrab from Korea Forest Service

A devastating wave of wildfires has swept through South Korea’s southeastern region, claiming at least 18 lives, leaving one person missing, and forcing thousands of firefighters and military personnel into an all-out battle against the flames.

The fires, which ignited last Friday in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, have rapidly spread to nearby Uiseong and are advancing toward Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, fueled by strong, dry winds.

Rising Death Toll and Destruction

Authorities confirmed that of the 18 victims, two were found in Andong, three in Cheongsong, six in Yeongyang, and seven in Yeongdeok. One person remains missing in Cheongsong. At least 10 others sustained injuries, with two in critical condition.
In one heartbreaking incident, four people were found burned to death on a road in Yeongyang late Tuesday night. The extent of the devastation is staggering—so far, the fires have scorched 17,000 hectares of forest and destroyed 209 houses and factories.

A Battle on All Fronts

With the infernos showing no signs of slowing down, Acting President Han Duck-soo has called for “all-out efforts” to contain what he described as “the worst ever wildfires” in South Korea’s history. Thousands of firefighters, military personnel, helicopters, and emergency vehicles have been deployed to fight the relentless flames.

The military alone has sent 5,000 troops and 146 helicopters into the battle. Meanwhile, 500 inmates at a prison in North Gyeongsang Province had to be evacuated overnight to escape the advancing fires. Officials had initially considered relocating 3,500 prisoners from multiple facilities, but with some blazes contained, they scaled back the transfers.

Cultural Losses and Irreplaceable Damage

Beyond human casualties and property destruction, the wildfires have also ravaged South Korea’s cultural heritage. The flames completely destroyed Goun Temple in Uiseong, a Buddhist temple built in 681 during the Silla Dynasty. Fortunately, national treasures stored at the temple had been relocated in time.

What’s Next?

Firefighters are still struggling to gain control over the blazes, and with strong winds continuing to fuel the inferno, the crisis is far from over. Officials are racing against time to prevent further devastation, with emergency response teams working around the clock to protect lives and property.

As South Korea grapples with this unprecedented disaster, the focus remains on containment, relief efforts, and preventing future tragedies of this scale.