South Korea Battles Devastating Wildfires as Death Toll Reaches 18

Over 17,000 hectares have burned, thousands are displaced, and emergency efforts face challenges from strong winds and dry conditions.

The wildfires, now the third most severe in South Korea’s history, have burned over 17,000 hectares of forest, with damage continuing to grow.
Eighteen people have died, with six seriously injured, and thousands have been evacuated to temporary shelters as fires threaten communities and cultural heritage sites.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong, killing the pilot, adding to the toll of the ongoing crisis.
More than 6,700 firefighters, military personnel, and U.S. forces are deployed, but efforts are hindered by dry weather, strong winds, and haze.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in four regions, with UNESCO-listed Hahoe village and other cultural landmarks at risk.