Firefighters in South Korea are racing against time to rescue people and protect centuries-old cultural heritage as the country battles its largest wildfires in recorded history.
The devastating blazes, which erupted in the southeastern region on March 21, have killed at least 27 people and displaced tens of thousands.
Most of the victims were elderly, in their 60s and 70s, according to local officials. The infernos, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have left behind apocalyptic scenes, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ash. One eyewitness described the destruction in his city as “devastating,” while emergency services continue to battle the rapidly spreading flames.
Authorities suspect that human activity may have sparked multiple fires, but extreme weather conditions have exacerbated the crisis. The strong winds not only fanned the flames but also hindered aerial firefighting efforts, leading to a tragic helicopter crash on Tuesday.
Among the cultural casualties is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple in Uiseong city, which was completely gutted by the flames. Other historic sites remain at risk as emergency crews struggle to contain the blaze.
With thousands left homeless and emergency shelters overwhelmed, the South Korean government has vowed to intensify rescue operations and provide urgent aid to affected communities. Firefighters and volunteers continue their efforts on the ground, hoping to curb the disaster before more lives and heritage are lost.
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