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4w ago

South Korea Battles Worst Wildfires in History, Killing 24 and Displacing Over 27,000

Fueled by strong winds and dry weather, the fires have destroyed 43,000 acres, hundreds of structures, and a 1,300-year-old temple, with firefighting efforts ongoing.

A wildfire is seen next to a stone lantern of family tomb in Andong on March 26, 2025..
An official wraps a Buddha statue with a fire-retardant blanket to protect it from a wildfire, at Gounsa temple in Uiseong, South Korea, March 25, 2025. REUTERS/Minwoo Park
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Overview

  • At least 24 people have died, including a helicopter pilot and four firefighters, while 27,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.
  • The wildfires, among the largest in South Korea's history, have burned over 43,000 acres and destroyed more than 200 structures, including the historic Gounsa Temple.
  • Strong winds and dry conditions have hampered containment efforts, with five major fires still active and only partial progress made in some regions.
  • The government has declared a full-scale national response, deploying nearly 9,000 personnel, over 130 helicopters, and U.S. military support to combat the fires.
  • Rain is forecasted later this week, offering potential relief, as officials suspect human negligence and climate change are contributing factors to the disaster.