Wildfires ravaging South Korea’s southeastern region have killed at least 18 people, with thousands forced to flee their homes. The fires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, are among the country’s worst in decades, devastating entire neighborhoods and affecting cultural heritage sites.

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• At least 18 people have died due to wildfires across South Korea’s southeastern region.
• Over 27,000 residents have been evacuated as fires spread rapidly through communities.
• The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry weather, have destroyed neighborhoods, closed schools, and forced prison evacuations.
• The Uiseong fire, still 68% contained, has spread at an “unimaginable” scale, according to experts.
• More than 15,000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the fires.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Confucian Academy, are under threat.
• 4,919 firefighting personnel, including military units, are working to control the fires.
• The South Korean government has declared the affected areas special disaster zones.
• Helicopters and firefighting units are being deployed, but equipment shortages are a concern due to sanctions on Russian helicopters.
• Experts warn that climate change will lead to more frequent large-scale wildfires globally.