South Korea struggles to contain deadly wildfires

Deadly wildfires in South Korea worsen, with thousands evacuated and historic artefacts protected, as dry, windy weather hampers containment efforts.

Deadly wildfires in South Korea worsened overnight, officials said Tuesday (March 25, 2025), as dry, windy weather hampers efforts to contain one of the country's worst-ever fire outbreaks.

More than a dozen different blazes broke out over the weekend, with the safety minister reporting thousands of hectares burned and four people killed.

"The wildfires have so far affected approximately 14,694 hectares (36,310 acres), with damage continuing to grow," acting Interior and Safety Minister Ko Ki-dong said.

The extent of damage would make the fires collectively the third-largest in South Korea's history. The largest was an April 2000 blaze that scorched 23,913 hectares (59,090 acres) across the east coast.

“More than 3,000 people have been evacuated to shelters,” Mr. Ko said. At least 11 people have been seriously injured.

"Strong winds, dry weather, and haze are hampering firefighting efforts," Ko told a disaster and safety meeting.

The government is "mobilising all available resources", he said.