South Korea has initiated a full-scale nationwide response to combat lethal wildfires in the southeastern region, said the acting president on Wednesday.
“This is a full-scale national response,” the acting president Han Duck-soo said announcing the elevation of the national wildfire crisis to its highest level.
Multiple fires erupted over the weekend, with casualties increasing to 18 as one substantial blaze devastated villages and destroyed a historic temple.
A safety ministry representative confirmed to AFP, “Eighteen people died in the wildfires. Additionally, six people were seriously injured and thirteen suffered minor injuries.”
Arid and gusty conditions have impeded fire containment efforts. The president informed an emergency meeting that the fires were “developing in a way that is exceeding both existing prediction models and earlier expectations.”

Despite Tuesday afternoon’s emergency evacuations, casualties occurred. The situation worsened overnight with power outages, communication disruptions, and blocked roadways.
According to Han, despite thousands of firefighters being deployed, strong winds of 25 metres per second prevented aerial operations using helicopters and drones. He noted that changing wind patterns and persistent dry conditions highlighted the inadequacies of traditional firefighting approaches.
Han announced ongoing evacuations to temporary shelters and government efforts to provide emergency assistance and financial aid to displaced residents.
Rainfall expected later Wednesday might assist in controlling the fires.
Reports indicate the Uiseong fire started accidentally when someone tending to a family grave site unintentionally sparked the blaze.