South Korea Battles Largest Wildfires on Record as Death Toll Rises
Wildfires in South Korea have now surpassed all previous records, consuming more forested land than any fire in the country’s history, according to the nation’s disaster management chief. As of Thursday, the death toll has climbed to 26.
The devastating blazes ignited over the weekend, spreading rapidly across southeastern regions. More than a dozen fires broke out, prompting the evacuation of around 27,000 residents. The infernos cut off roads, disrupted communication networks, and left communities scrambling for safety.
“The wildfire is advancing at an alarming rate,” said Lee Han-kyung, head of the disaster and safety division.
“Currently, 26 fatalities have been confirmed, with eight people sustaining severe injuries and another 22 suffering minor wounds,” he stated.
So far, the fires have ravaged approximately 35,810 hectares of forest, surpassing the damage caused by the 2000 east coast wildfire, which had been the largest on record at 23,913 hectares.
A Crisis Fueled by Climate and Weather
Authorities have acknowledged that changing wind patterns and prolonged dry conditions have challenged traditional firefighting strategies.
Among those killed were local residents, along with at least three firefighters. Additionally, a firefighting helicopter pilot lost his life when his aircraft crashed in a mountainous area.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, 2024 was the hottest year on record in South Korea, with an average annual temperature of 14.5°C—two degrees above the 30-year average. The affected regions have also been experiencing unusually dry conditions, receiving only half their usual rainfall, contributing to the rapid spread of the fires.
The frequency of wildfires has doubled compared to the same period last year, raising concerns about the broader implications of climate change.
Climate Change Concerns Intensify
Disaster chief Lee warned that these fires highlight the growing climate crisis.
“This wildfire underscores the harsh reality of climate change, which is now more severe than anything we have previously encountered,” he said.
Climatology expert Yeh Sang-Wook from Hanyang University explained that the lack of precipitation created ideal conditions for wildfires to erupt.
“Although climate change is not the sole cause, it directly and indirectly influences the environmental changes we are witnessing,” he told AFP.
Impact on South Korea’s Aging Population
The fires have also exposed vulnerabilities within South Korea’s aging population. As a country with one of the world’s lowest birth rates, many victims of the fires were elderly citizens, including patients from nursing hospitals.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has instructed the interior minister to oversee emergency response efforts in the affected areas.
Efforts to Protect Historic Sites
Authorities are working to protect multiple heritage sites, including two UNESCO-listed locations.
At Byungsan Suwon, a former Confucian academy recognized by UNESCO, thick smoke filled the sky as emergency crews deployed fire-retardant materials and water to safeguard the structure.
“We are spraying three tonnes of water daily as a preventive measure,” said Lee Seung-myung, head of the fire safety team at Andong Fire Department.
Firefighters have also begun cutting down pine trees surrounding the site to prevent flames from reaching the historic property.
With rain expected later on Thursday, officials are hoping for a break in conditions that will allow them to bring the fires under control.
