Seoul, South KoreaCNN —
South Korea is battling fierce wildfires that have already claimed the lives of at least 24 people. The fires, which have caused extensive destruction, include the loss of the historic 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple. The fires are especially devastating in the country’s southeast, where the combination of dry air and strong winds has made containment efforts difficult.
On Wednesday, authorities resumed using firefighting helicopters after a tragic crash grounded them temporarily. The incident occurred while the pilot was working to control the rapidly spreading flames in Uiseong County, around 125 miles southeast of Seoul. Sadly, the pilot did not survive the crash.
Since the wildfires erupted, they have injured 26 others, and at least four of the deceased were civil servants assigned to firefighting efforts. The Interior and Safety Ministry confirmed that over 17,398 hectares (nearly 43,000 acres) have burned. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the fires as the worst in years and called for urgent efforts to tackle the crisis.
The Gounsa temple, a sacred site for many, was nearly destroyed, though some artifacts, including a state-designated seated stone Buddha, were saved by relocation before the flames reached the site. The temple’s iconic ceremonial bell, however, remains one of the few structures somewhat intact among the ruins.
As emergency responders, including more than 10,000 firefighters, police, and civil servants, work tirelessly, residents in affected areas such as Andong have been ordered to evacuate. The fires have gotten dangerously close to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Hahoe Folk Village, where efforts are underway to protect traditional homes, called hanoks, from the advancing flames.
The wildfires trace back to a spark from a lawn mower in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang province. As conditions worsened, the government declared a state of emergency across Ulsan city and both Gyeongsang provinces. The Korea Forest Service has raised its wildfire warning to the highest level, urging local governments to enhance their emergency responses and tighten restrictions on forest access.
Recent statistics illustrate a worrying trend; this year has seen 244 wildfires reported, which is 2.4 times more than the same period last year. This spike highlights the increasing challenges related to wildfire management, especially considering that wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea during the driest months of February, March, and April.
Social media has buzzed with reactions, showing a mix of concern and support. Many users are sharing their condolences for the victims and calling for stricter measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest rain may arrive soon, bringing hope for relief to exhausted firefighters. However, Prime Minister Han’s plea for public cooperation emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent future wildfires, urging the populace to stay vigilant.
Wildfires are a pressing issue that affect many nations, making the shared experiences from places like Australia and the United States relevant as South Korea navigates its own challenges. With climate change influencing weather patterns, understanding these trends provides valuable insights for managing and mitigating the risks associated with wildfires.
For more in-depth information on wildlife management and safety practices, check out the [Korea Forest Service](https://www.forest.go.kr). Also, CNN has reported extensively on the ongoing situation and challenges ahead for South Korea during this disaster.
Check out this related article: Tragic Fires in South Korea: At Least 18 Lives Lost in the Deadliest Blaze in History
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