South Korea Is Being Ravaged By Multiple Wildfires And At Least Four People Have Been Killed
Strong winds and dry conditions generally fuel the rapid spread of fires in South Korea, with March to May being the country's driest months
Nearly 30 wildfires have raged across southern parts of South Korea, killing at least four people, including three firefighters, and injured nine others, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
The blaze first erupted on Friday, March 21, in Sancheong county, about 250 kilometers away from the capital Seoul and rapidly spread to neighboring regions, according to The Korea Herald.
The fires kept escalating, and by Sunday, March 23, the situation worsened, with 29 wildfires breaking out across southeastern South Korea.
Thousands of firefighters and several helicopters were deployed to battle the blaze, which scorched more than 22,000 acres of land and damaged at least 160 buildings.
More than 1,500 people were evacuated from affected areas to temporary shelters, Yonhap news agency reported.
The South Korean government declared a state of national disaster due to "the extensive damage caused by simultaneous wildfires across the country", according to ABC News.
As of Monday, March 24, firefighters have contained about 70% of the fires in Sancheong County.
However, four fires are still active despite efforts to extinguish them.
Meanwhile, the government is investigating reports that the fires first began after a farmer's lawn mower caught fire, the New York Times reported.
Strong winds and dry conditions generally fuel the rapid spread of fires in South Korea, with March to May being the country's driest months, according to the Korea Meteorological Department.
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Emily Chen
