South Korea Struggles to Contain Deadly Wildfires

UISEONG, 25th March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Wildfires in South Korea have worsened overnight, officials reported on Tuesday, as dry and windy conditions continue to hinder efforts to control what has become one of the country’s worst-ever fire outbreaks.

More than a dozen separate fires ignited over the weekend, and the country’s safety minister confirmed that thousands of hectares have been scorched, with at least four fatalities.

“The wildfires have affected approximately 14,694 hectares (36,310 acres) so far, and the damage continues to escalate,” said acting Interior and Safety Minister Ko Ki-dong.

If the current trend continues, these fires are on track to become the third-largest wildfire outbreak in South Korea’s history. The largest wildfire on record occurred in April 2000, when a blaze ravaged 23,913 hectares (59,090 acres) along the east coast.

More than 3,000 people have been evacuated to shelters, and at least 11 others have sustained serious injuries.

“The combination of strong winds, dry conditions, and haze is severely hindering firefighting efforts,” Ko explained during a disaster and safety meeting.

The government has mobilised all available resources, with 110 helicopters and over 6,700 personnel being deployed to tackle the blazes.

In Uiseong, AFP reporters observed thick smoke and haze filling the sky. Workers at a local temple were seen trying to relocate historical artefacts and shield Buddhist statues in an attempt to protect them from the potential damage.

The Korea Forest Service reported that the containment rate of the fire in Uiseong had dropped from 60 to 55 percent by Tuesday morning.

According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, more than 6,700 firefighters have been sent to combat the wildfires, with nearly two-fifths of the personnel assigned to Uiseong alone.

In response to the widespread destruction, the government has declared a state of emergency in four regions, citing the extensive damage caused by multiple fires across the country.

Climate change has been linked to certain types of extreme weather, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. Wildfires, however, are often influenced by a mix of factors, including prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures, and dry conditions, making them difficult to predict and manage.