Department of Research, Studies and International News 28-03-2025

South Korea is facing its most devastating wildfire disaster on record, with flames sweeping through vast areas of North Gyeongsang Province, leaving at least 26 people dead and displacing tens of thousands. The fires, which have doubled in size within a day, have prompted warnings from officials about the severe impacts of climate change, as extreme drought and strong winds fuel the rapid spread of the blazes.

The current wildfires, which began in Uiseong County, have already scorched over 36,000 hectares (approximately 89,000 acres), making them the largest in the country’s history. By comparison, the last major wildfire in South Korea, in April 2020, burned around 23,900 hectares. The scale and speed of the destruction have overwhelmed emergency responders, forcing authorities to mobilize over 9,000 personnel and nearly 120 helicopters to combat the fires.

Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as a national emergency, emphasizing the high number of casualties, particularly among elderly residents, including those in nursing facilities. “We are nationally in a critical situation with numerous casualties because of the unprecedented rapid spread of forest fires,” he stated.

Climate Conditions Fueling the Inferno

South Korea’s disaster chief, Lee Han-kyung, attributed the intensity of the wildfires to prolonged dry conditions and strong winds, highlighting the role of climate change in exacerbating natural disasters. “This wildfire has once again exposed the harsh reality of a climate crisis unlike anything we’ve experienced before,” he said.

The country has experienced twice the number of wildfires this year compared to the previous year. Additionally, the affected areas have received only half the usual seasonal rainfall, leaving forests highly susceptible to ignition.

Climatologists warn that rising global temperatures are contributing to drier landscapes, making wildfires more frequent and severe. Professor Yeh Sang-Wook of Hanyang University in Seoul explained that the ongoing drought had left vegetation extremely dry, providing ideal conditions for the fires to spread. “While we cannot attribute this entirely to climate change, it is clear that climate change is directly and indirectly influencing the environmental conditions we are experiencing now,” he noted.

The fires have left a trail of destruction, consuming over 300 buildings, including homes, factories, and historic sites. In Uiseong, parts of the Gounsa temple complex, dating back to the 7th century, have been lost, including two state-designated treasures: a pavilion built in 1668 and a historic structure from 1904.

In Andong, firefighters struggled to protect two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Hahoe Folk Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy, from approaching flames. Residents of nearby villages, including Puncheon, were evacuated as the fires moved dangerously close.

The flames have also caused significant loss of life among emergency responders. Among the fatalities are four firefighters and other personnel who were trapped by fast-moving flames, as well as a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while attempting to combat the blaze.

Human Factors and Fire Management Challenges

While climate conditions have worsened the severity of the fires, human activity is believed to have played a role in their ignition. Authorities suspect that some blazes were started by individuals clearing overgrown grass near family tombs, while others may have been triggered by sparks from welding work.

Despite significant firefighting efforts, the dry conditions and strong winds have continued to spread the flames, moving them eastward toward coastal areas. While rain has been forecast in some regions, the expected precipitation amounts, less than 5mm, are unlikely to provide meaningful relief.

“The amount of rain is going to be small, so it doesn’t look like it’ll be a big help in trying to extinguish the fire,” warned Lim Sang-seop, Minister of the Korea Forest Service.

Experts caution that the South Korean wildfires are part of a broader global trend of increasingly intense and frequent wildfires, driven by human-induced climate change. Higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather patterns are turning once-manageable seasonal fires into catastrophic events.

The Climate Central group, an independent research body, noted that rising temperatures have amplified the dry conditions in the affected region, effectively turning forests into highly flammable fuel. This aligns with broader scientific findings indicating that climate change is lengthening fire seasons and making wildfires more destructive worldwide.