A SERIES of devastating wildfires have swept through the southeastern region of South Korea, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, as reported by officials on Wednesday. 

According to authorities, most of the victims were elderly people around 60-70 years old. Meanwhile, 26 people are reported to be injured, and 12 of these are in critical condition. 

More than 27,000 people are reportedly displaced from their homes. 

Acting President Han Duck-soo described the crisis as “unprecedented”, stating that it is “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history.”

Fueled by powerful, dry winds, the wildfires first ignited in Sancheong County before spreading into Uiseong County and further reaching nearby areas. 

The national fire agency raised the crisis to its highest fire response level on Tuesday, as thousands of firefighters and around 5,000 military personnel, including US military helicopters, were deployed to battle the flames. 

A day later, a firefighting helicopter crashed in the mountains of Uiseong, killing the pilot, with officials now investigating the cause.

Wildfires are rare in South Korea, and the current blazes have already become the deadliest in the country’s history. Approximately 17,000 hectares of forest are scorched, making it the third largest record in history in terms of area. 

The fires continue to threaten two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-listed sites, according to Agence France-Presse, while it already “gutted” a 1,300-year old temple in Uiseong city, as per BBC report. 

Many cultural relics were also displaced and transported to safety. 

With below-average rainfall, South Korea has been experiencing unusually dry conditions, leading to a sharp rise in wildfires. 

This year alone, 244 wildfires have been reported—more than double the number from the same period last year. 

In response, the government has pledged stricter measures against illegal burning, a key contributor to wildfires, and increased efforts to prevent negligent fire-related incidents.