Firefighters battle worst-ever wildfires as death toll rises to 28

Flames are stretched along the Andong region on Thursday night Yonhap — Flames stretch across the mountains in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province on March 27, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - With massive wildfires ravaging the southeastern part of the country for a week, the death toll continues to rise, leaving at least 28 people dead and dozens more injured as of Friday.

Nearly 40,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as around 48,000 hectares of land and forests have been burned, making it the worst wildfire ever.

The fires also decimated around 3,500 houses and other buildings, turning them into ashes, while affecting villages and towns with historically significant structures and ancient temples.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, the blazes, which first broke out in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province last Friday, have rapidly spread to nearby areas such as Hadong and Gimhae, as well as to other provinces including Andong, Cheongsong, Uiseong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok in North Gyeongsang Province, Muju in North Jeolla Province, and Okcheon in North Chungcheong Province, fueled by strong winds and dry weather amid unseasonal early-summer heat.

Factory facilities damaged by wildfires are seen in Andong North Gyeongsang Province on March 28 2025 Yonhap — Factory facilities damaged by wildfires are seen in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province on March 28, 2025. Yonhap

Authorities have managed to extinguish the flames in several areas, including Muju, Gimhae, and Okcheon, but they are still struggling to fully contain the fires, despite deploying around 6,900 firefighters along with dozens of helicopters and other all available emergency resources.

A sprinkle of rain the previous day provided some much-needed relief, helping to dampen fire-stricken areas, but concerns remain over strong gusts that could reignite embers and spread the flames further.

Evelyn Nam evelyneyahh@ajupress.com

Firefighters battle worst-ever wildfires as death toll rises to 28

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