317 buildings damaged, 27,000 people displaced
The ongoing infernos are the most destructive ever recorded in South Korea, officials said. Hundreds of structures, including two ancient Buddhist temples, have been consumed by the flames.
According to the interior ministry, 317 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including two temples that were over 1,000 years old. Local news footage showed flames engulfing the historic sites before firefighters could reach them.
At least 29 people have been injured, with eight in critical condition. Many of the dead were elderly, mostly in their 60s and 70s, police reported.
A 73-year-old pilot died when his helicopter crashed while battling the blaze, according to the National Fire Agency. His aircraft had a capacity of 1,200 litres of water.
More than 27,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Among the displaced were residents of the 600-year-old Andong Hahoe folk village, a Unesco world heritage site.
‘Unprecedented crisis’
Since Friday, nearly 30 fires have erupted. By early Thursday, five were still burning, including the largest one, which covered 82,000 acres. Firefighters managed to contain 44% of it, but strong winds have prevented them from deploying helicopters and drones.
South Korea’s weather agency has predicted light rain by the end of the week, but officials said it would not be enough to help contain the fires.
Authorities traced the first fire back to a farmer’s lawn mower, which sparked flames in Sancheong County, about 160 miles southeast of Seoul.
Acting president Han Duck-soo said the fires could become the worst in the country’s history. Previously, the largest wildfire occurred in 2000, burning 59,000 acres and killing two people, according to government records