South Korea is battling its worst-ever wildfires, which have killed 28 people and destroyed thousands of structures in the southeastern region. The fires were 85% contained as of Friday morning, with rain and cooler temperatures aiding the firefighting efforts. The wildfires have burned over 118,000 acres of land and forced more than 30,000 people to evacuate their homes.
The governor of the hardest-hit region, Lee Cheol-woo, called for a complete overhaul of the country’s wildfire response strategy in the face of worsening climate conditions. The wildfires, driven by strong winds and dry weather, have highlighted the need for better evacuation guidelines, more powerful firefighting tools, and improved nighttime firefighting capabilities.
South Korean firefighters, many of whom are in their 60s, are working tirelessly to extinguish the remaining blazes. Helicopters are dropping water over hills glowing red in the night, while residents seek shelter in schools and gyms. The fires have been fueled by extreme climate conditions, which experts say are linked to climate change.
The fires have also devastated historical sites, such as the Gounsa temple complex in Uiseong, where 20 of the 30 structures have burned, including state-designated treasures. The wildfires have highlighted the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on extreme weather events and improve firefighting capabilities to prevent future disasters.
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