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South Korea Battles Largest Wildfires in Its History as Containment Efforts Continue

Light rain offers limited relief, but strong winds threaten progress in controlling fires that have burned over 45,000 hectares and displaced more than 30,000 people.

Kun Yeong-nam, 72, looks around her burnt house, in which she lived in for 52 years, after a wildfire devastated the area in Uiseong, South Korea March 27, 2025.REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
A man stands as a wildfire devastates the area in Andong, South Korea, March 26, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
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Overview

  • The wildfires, which began on March 21 in Uiseong County, have become the largest in South Korea's history, burning over 45,000 hectares of land.
  • Containment efforts have succeeded in controlling 95% of fires in Uiseong and 85% in Andong, but significant areas in Yeongdeok County remain ablaze.
  • At least 28 people have died, including a helicopter pilot, and more than 30,000 residents, many elderly, have been displaced from affected regions.
  • Light rain has provided some relief to firefighting operations, but strong winds forecasted for later today may worsen conditions in active fire zones.
  • The fires have destroyed cultural landmarks, including historic temples, prompting the relocation of 15 national treasures to protect them from further damage.