South Korean representative president Han Dak Saw described it as a “significant situation.”
South Korea’s wildfires have taken at least 27 lives and destroyed Buddhist temples from centuries ago.
Among the deaths were a helicopter pilot who tackled the fire on Wednesday, and four firefighters who died after being trapped in a rapidly moving flame.
Han Dak So, the country’s representative president, told the government’s response meeting:
The largest fire began in Uysen County, North Yangsan Province, southeastern part of the country, and consumes more than twice as much area as Manhattan, exceeding 81,500 acres (136 square miles).
It is the largest single forest fire in Korean history.
Previous records were a wildfire in March 2000, destroying 59,000 acres.
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Dry weather and strong winds have caused the flames to spread rapidly since March 21, forcing 37,000 people to evacuate from their homes.
The government has mobilized dozens of helicopters and thousands of firefighters, but strong winds are hampering the effort.
At least one wildfire is believed to have been caused by sparks generated during welding operations.
Elderly among the victims
Authorities said many of the deceased were elderly people who found it difficult to get away right away. They reportedly refused to evacuate.
Yonghap said that President Han asked Home Minister Ko Ki Dong to go to North Yangsan Province and stay there to support rescue operations.
Han told KO: “Care for the health and safety of victims to activate safety and safety on the ground, and activate efficient support systems to ensure that the personnel and volunteer workers who draw wildfires do not burn out.”
Due to the mountainous region of the area, helicopters are necessary to combat the flames.
The Ministry of Home Affairs says more than 120 helicopters have been deployed to assist firefighters.
South Korea Forest Service chief Lim Sunthorpe said a small rain forecast on Thursday would not make a big difference to the big fire.
The Forest Service has set wildfire warnings at the highest level and recommends military units suspend live action movements.
Built in the 7th century and meaning a Korean high cloud temple, Gounsa includes a pavilion-shaped building overlooking the stream.
Gounsa Temple Chief Deungwoon said:
“There was a stronger wind than a typhoon, and the flames sprinted through the air like a tornado, burning the entire area in an instant.”
As wildfires approach, a fire truck will blow water on a temple in Jeongsung, South Korea on March 27, 2025. Ahn Young-Joon/AP Photo
Wildfires are currently threatening the cities of Andong and Ursuna and neighbouring counties of Uiseong and Sancheong.
On Wednesday night, strong winds forced authorities to order evacuation of two villages near Andong.
One of them, Pang Chong, is home to the Ha Ho folk village, a UNESCO world heritage site founded in the 14th century.
Fork Village has traditional Korean homes, many of which have that roof.
Firefighters are also trying to protect the Confucian Academy in Bion San Seo-won, which dates back more than 450 years.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the report.
