In March, one of Korea’s biggest wildfire disasters occurred in the southeastern regions of the nation. A series of catastrophic fires quickly spread throughout the Gyeongsang Provinces due to dry and arid conditions.

The first wildfire was reported in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on March 21st. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze after four days.

However, things took a turn for the worse on March 22nd, when a second wildfire ignited in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. The fire rapidly reached neighboring regions in the province, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongdeok, and Jirisan Mountain.

The situation soon escalated into a large-scale disaster, and the government declared an emergency. Residents in the affected areas were forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters.

Centuries-old temples and invaluable cultural heritage sites suffered extensive damage. The blaze also spread to residential areas and factories at the foot of the mountains.

Communication was disrupted, preventing many residents from evacuating swiftly. Tragically, some residents who were unable to escape in time suffered injuries or lost their lives.

In late March, rain was forecast and was expected to help contain the wildfires. However, the precipitation was insufficient, and firefighters continued to struggle against the blaze.

In total, over 48,000 hectares of forest were reduced to ashes, making it one of the largest wildfire disasters in Korean history. It caused more casualties and destruction than the massive Donghae wildfires of 2022.

In response, the government plans to spend trillions of won to support the impacted regions. Also, special disaster relief funds will be provided to evacuees and victims in various areas.

Many celebrities, companies, and ordinary citizens have also offered aid, raising billions of won toward the wildfire relief efforts.