South Korea battles devastating wildfires: Death toll rises to 24, helicopter pilot killed in crash

UISEONG COUNTY, South Korea. Wildfires raging across South Korea’s southeastern region have claimed at least 24 lives, while a firefighting helicopter crashed on Wednesday, killing its pilot, as the country faces one of its most destructive fire outbreaks in decades.

The fast-spreading wildfires have displaced more than 27,000 people, destroyed homes, forced school closures, and necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of prison inmates, according to government reports. Strong winds and dry weather continue to fuel the blazes, making containment efforts extremely challenging.

“We are deploying all available personnel and equipment in response to the worst wildfires ever, but the situation is not good,” Acting President Han Duck-soo stated, acknowledging the support of U.S. military forces stationed in Korea.

Rising Death Toll and Devastation

The Korea Forest Service has confirmed that 24 people have died as a result of the fires. While an official breakdown was not provided, the Safety Ministry previously reported that 14 fatalities occurred in Uiseong County, with four additional deaths linked to a separate blaze in Sancheong County. Many of the victims were elderly, in their 60s and 70s, according to local police official Son Chang-ho.

In addition to the human toll, the wildfires have razed entire neighborhoods and damaged critical infrastructure. The flames had already consumed Goun Temple, built in 681, and were posing a severe threat to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong City. Authorities scrambled to spray fire retardants in an attempt to protect these cultural landmarks.

Helicopter Crash and Firefighting Challenges

A tragic incident unfolded when a firefighting helicopter belonging to the Korea Forest Service crashed while attempting to douse the flames, killing its pilot.

Eyewitness Kim Jin-han, 63, described the moment of impact: “It completely exploded, and I couldn’t even tell which parts were the propellers.”

Video footage from the crash site showed smoldering debris scattered across a hillside. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The crash has further complicated South Korea’s firefighting efforts, as the country relies heavily on helicopters due to its mountainous terrain. Fire suppression operations were briefly halted following the crash, and concerns were raised about the condition of the nation’s aging aerial firefighting fleet.

Equipment Shortages and Climate Change Concerns

South Korea’s ability to combat wildfires has been hindered by a shortage of firefighting helicopters. Of the country’s 48 Russian-made helicopters, eight have been grounded since last year due to international sanctions preventing the import of necessary parts, a Democratic Party lawmaker revealed in October.

Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, called the Uiseong wildfire’s scale and speed “unimaginable.” He linked the increasing severity of wildfires to climate change, referencing recent wildfires in Los Angeles (January) and northeastern Japan.

“We have to admit large-scale wildfires are going to increase, and for that, we need more resources and trained manpower,” Lee told Reuters.

Massive Firefighting Efforts and Disaster Designation

On Wednesday, over 10,000 firefighters, police officers, and military personnel were deployed across four major fire-hit areas. The Safety Ministry reported that 87 helicopters were also being used in fire suppression efforts.

The South Korean government has designated the affected areas as special disaster zones, with officials estimating that the fires have already scorched more than 15,000 hectares (37,065 acres).

Weather forecasts indicate that rain is expected across the country on Thursday, but only 5 to 10 mm is predicted in fire-hit regions—raising concerns that it may not be enough to curb the devastating flames.

Calls for More Resources

As South Korea grapples with the ongoing wildfire crisis, Kim Jong-gun, a Korea Forest Service spokesperson, stated that the government plans to acquire additional wildfire-fighting helicopters to address criticisms regarding the country’s firefighting capabilities.

With the blazes still raging, officials continue to work around the clock to contain the destruction and prevent further loss of life and property.