Locations Affected: South Korea
A series of wildfires caused by dry and windy conditions, have resulted in at least 24 deaths and 30 injuries in southeast South Korea as of 27 March. The fires have damaged approximately 36,000 hectares of land and 325 private and public facilities, forcing the evacuation of nearly 37,000 people. The wildfire in Uiseong-gun, considered the third-largest in the country’s history, started in Anpyeong-myeon and spread eastward due to strong winds of 15 to 20 meters per second, igniting fires in Oksan-myeon and Jeomgok-myeon. Other affected areas include Sancheong-gun and the city of Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province, Okcheon-gun in North Chungcheong Province, and Ulju-gun, a western district in Ulsan.
Factors Contributing to the Wildfire
Dry conditions in South Korea from February to April typically lead to wildfires. Climate change is considered a contributing factor, along with dry weather and the high concentration of pine trees, which burn more easily than hardwood. The government has stated that the fires were prolonged due to unusually dry spring weather, lower-than-average precipitation, high temperatures, and strong winds.
Firefighting Operations and Restrictions Imposed
- A state of emergency has been declared in Sancheong-gun, Uiseong-gun, Ulju-gun, and Hadong-gun in South Gyeongsang Province, allowing the government to provide partial financial aid for the restoration of both private and public facilities damaged by the wildfires.
- Thousands of personnel from the Korea Forest Service, around 5,000 military personnel and 105 helicopters have been deployed to extinguish the fires.
- 1,000 residents were evacuated from Gilan-myeon and Namhae-myeon in Andong, a city of 150,000 people located north of the wildfire site, on 24 March.
- Korea Expressway Corp. has shut down traffic between Buk-Uiseong Interchange and the Yeongdeok Tollgate, along with most major roads in the Uiseong-gun area.
Outlook on the Situation
Strong winds, dry weather, and haze have reportedly hindered efforts to contain the wildfires, particularly in Uiseong-gun. Rainfall is expected on 27 March, but it is unlikely to impact firefighting efforts. Travel restrictions are likely to persist in affected regions until the fires are fully extinguished and damage roadways cleared. Damage to utility infrastructure may cause disruptions to power and communication services in nearby areas. Smoke from the fires could reduce visibility in affected areas and impact the cardio-respiratory health of residents, particularly those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly. Residents have been advised to wear N95 masks when outdoors. Organisations are advised to stay updated on the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans.
