Deadly Wildfires Sweep across South Korea State of Emergency Declared

27th March 2025

3 minutes read

Deadly Wildfires Sweep across South Korea State of Emergency Declared

South Korea is grappling with one of its worst wildfire crises in recent history, as massive blazes continue to sweep through multiple regions, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting urgent government intervention. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 18 people and have forced thousands to flee their homes. In response to the rapidly worsening situation, South Korean authorities have declared a state of emergency, mobilizing both civilian and military resources to combat the flames.

The wildfires first ignited in Gangwon Province, along South Korea’s eastern coast, and quickly spread due to gusty winds, engulfing vast stretches of land and threatening urban centers. According to the Associated Press, the South Korean government has called upon the military to support firefighting efforts, deploying troops, aircraft, and emergency response teams to prevent further devastation.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the wildfires as the most severe in the nation’s history, warning that the situation remains dire. “The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but what is clear is that these fires are among the worst we have ever seen,” he said. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens while containing the destruction as much as possible.”

The Ministry of Security confirmed that more than ten major fires ignited over the weekend, consuming thousands of hectares of land. The blazes have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and cultural heritage sites, leaving entire communities in ruins. Thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed across the country, with over 9,000 firefighters and disaster response teams working around the clock to bring the situation under control. In addition, 105 helicopters have been dispatched to douse the flames from above, although the strong winds have made aerial firefighting efforts challenging.

Officials reported that the southeastern part of the country has been particularly hard-hit, with several residential neighborhoods, forests, and even a historic temple suffering extensive damage. Local residents, many of whom had to evacuate with little warning, expressed their devastation as they returned to find their homes reduced to ashes. “We lost everything in just a few hours,” said one evacuee. “The fire spread so fast that we barely had time to grab our belongings.”

Authorities have declared a state of emergency in at least four regions, highlighting the widespread destruction caused by the simultaneous outbreaks of fire. Government officials have urged residents in high-risk areas to remain on high alert, as shifting wind patterns could lead to further spread.

In Weseong, one of the worst-affected areas, containment efforts have been hampered by fluctuating weather conditions. According to forestry officials, the fire containment rate in the region dropped from 60% on Monday evening to just 54% by 9 AM local time on Tuesday, raising concerns that the blazes could continue to spread unchecked.

As the fires rage on, South Korean authorities are closely monitoring weather forecasts, hoping for favorable conditions that will aid firefighting efforts. In the meantime, emergency shelters have been set up for displaced residents, and relief efforts are underway to provide essential supplies to those affected.

With experts warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires in South Korea, officials are now considering additional long-term measures to prevent such disasters in the future. These could include increased investment in fire prevention infrastructure, improved early warning systems, and enhanced firefighting capabilities.

For now, the immediate priority remains containing the fires and ensuring the safety of South Korean citizens as the country battles one of its most devastating natural disasters in years.