Massive wildfires in South Korea destroy a 1,300-year-old temple and claim 27 lives

South Korean firefighters are fighting unprecedented flames that have burned a 1,300-year-old temple, killed 27 people, and displaced thousands more.

As South Korea fights its biggest wildfires in history, firefighters are working in a race against time to save lives and save centuries-old cultural property. 

Tens of thousands have been homeless and at least 27 people have died as a result of the disastrous fires that broke out in the southeast region on March 21. 

According to local officials, the majority of the casualties were older, in their 60s and 70s. Entire communities have been reduced to ash by the infernos, which are fed by dry conditions and strong winds. While emergency personnel continue to fight the quickly spreading flames, one witness called the wreckage in his city “devastating.” 

Extreme weather has made the situation worse, but authorities believe that human action may have started some fires. A catastrophic helicopter crash occurred on Tuesday as a result of the strong winds that not only fueled the fire but also made it difficult to combat it aerially. 

A 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple in Uiseong city was totally destroyed by the fire, making it one of the cultural victims. While emergency personnel fight to contain the fire, other historic sites are still at danger. 

The South Korean government has pledged to step up rescue efforts and deliver immediate assistance to impacted towns, as thousands of people have been left homeless and emergency shelters are overcrowded. In an attempt to stop the tragedy before more lives and cultural heritage are destroyed, firefighters and volunteers are still working on the ground.