At least 18 people have died in one of South Korea’s most severe wildfire outbreaks, which has devastated large areas in the southeast.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the destruction as “unprecedented” on Wednesday.
More than a dozen wildfires ignited over the weekend, scorching nearly 17,400 hectares (43,000 acres), with Uiseong County accounting for 87% of the total.
The blazes have forced around 27,000 residents to flee, cutting off roads and disrupting communication networks.
Overnight, the death toll climbed as wind-driven flames spread rapidly, consuming homes and an ancient temple.
Authorities raised the crisis alert to its highest level and took the unusual step of relocating thousands of prisoners.
“Wildfires burning for a fifth consecutive day are causing unprecedented damage,” Han said, noting that the fires were exceeding all previous prediction models.
He highlighted how powerful winds and dry weather had rendered traditional firefighting methods ineffective.
Firefighters, soldiers, and even US military helicopters have been deployed to combat the blazes.
However, strong winds—reaching speeds of 25 meters per second—have hampered aerial firefighting efforts.
In Andong, evacuees described the terrifying moment they had to flee.
“The fire came from the mountain and fell on my house,” said 79-year-old Kwon So-han. “I could only bring my body.”
Meanwhile, officials are scrambling to protect the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, a major cultural heritage site now under threat.
Authorities believe the main fire in Uiseong was accidentally started by a person tending to a family grave.
The government has pledged financial aid and emergency relief for those displaced by the disaster.