Helicopter crash, ancient temples destroyed, and 27,000 residents evacuated in worst wildfire crisis in decades
South Korea is battling one of the most catastrophic wildfire outbreaks in its history, with 24 lives lost and over 27,000 residents forced to flee their homes in the nation’s southeastern region. Tragically, a helicopter pilot died while attempting to douse the flames in Uiseong County when his aircraft crashed mid-operation on Wednesday.
The blazes, fueled by intense winds and prolonged dry weather, erupted on Saturday and have since swept across towns and mountains, destroying homes, closing schools, and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of prison inmates.
“We are deploying all available personnel and equipment to confront the worst wildfires ever,” said acting President Han Duck-soo, who confirmed that U.S. military forces in Korea are now assisting.
The Korea Forest Service confirmed the death toll but did not provide a breakdown. Earlier figures from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety indicated 14 deaths in Uiseong County and four in Sancheong.
The forest service also reported the crash of a firefighting helicopter, resulting in the pilot’s death. The accident, which occurred while battling flames in Uiseong’s mountainous terrain, temporarily grounded the firefighting fleet.
Authorities are investigating the crash, with video showing a charred, twisted fuselage scattered across a scorched hillside.
South Korea’s mountainous landscape makes aerial firefighting critical, but the country has faced equipment shortages. Notably, eight Russian-made helicopters have been out of commission due to sanctions related to the Ukraine war, making spare parts unavailable.
The wildfire’s ferocity has not spared history. Goun Temple, dating back to 681 AD, has been reduced to ashes, while UNESCO World Heritage sites—Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Confucian Academy—are under imminent threat in Andong City. Crews are now using fire retardants to shield these historic landmarks.
So far, over 15,000 hectares of forest have been scorched. According to Lee Byung-doo, a wildfire expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, the Uiseong blaze is only 68% contained, with gusty winds hindering progress.
“The speed and scale of this fire are unimaginable,” Lee said. “It’s another warning sign of how climate change is reshaping wildfire patterns globally.”
Nearly 5,000 personnel, including military, police, and rescue teams, are on the ground. A fleet of 87 helicopters is currently in action across affected areas.
The government has designated the impacted regions as special disaster zones, fast-tracking emergency relief and recovery.
As evacuees settle into makeshift shelters, the nation grieves its losses and braces for the continued fight against the flames.