South Korean firefighters fought Wednesday that the acting president was some of the worst wildfires in the country's history, fueling the windy, dry conditions. At least 19 people have been killed, authorities said, including a pilot of the fallen helicopter.
The National Fire Service said the helicopter crashed on Wednesday during fire service. He said he could not immediately provide details such as the cause of the crash and whether anyone else is on board.
Since the fire began in the southeastern part of the country on Friday, two ancient Buddhist temples have been one of more than 200 buildings that have been damaged or destroyed. Tens of thousands of acres have been burnt, with more than 27,000 people evacuated, according to the government.
Of the nearly 30 flames since Friday, eight were still burning early Wednesday.
In addition to the deaths, at least 19 people were injured, six of whom were seriously injured, the Home Office said Wednesday. Local police officers explained that many of the people who died were in their 60s and 70s. The government said 43,000 acres had been damaged.
The fire was thought to “break the record for the worst wildfire ever,” said Vice President Han Duck So, who was revived this week after being fired each in December. In a statement, his office said the fire had spread beyond initial forecasts.
Among the evacuees were residents of Andong Hahofolk Village, 600 years old, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than 130 miles southeast of Seoul. The villagers described the flame as “devil” on social media and expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that they have not managed to put it out.
According to a ministry statement, which includes two temples, flames and smoke damaged 209 buildings throughout the region. A video from a local news station depicted the Inferno surrounding a temple that was over a thousand years ago.
Korean Heritage Service said on social media on Wednesday that several treasures from one treasure had been removed from the Goonsa temple, which contains stone Buddha statues before the fire reached it.
Local officials closed roads, stopped train services, and some places lost power.
The government said firefighters include almost 70% of the largest flames, burning on 37,000 acres. Their efforts have been slowed by winds of 56 mph starting Tuesday afternoon, making it impossible to mobilize helicopters and drones.
The first flame began Friday afternoon in Sancheong County, about 160 miles southeast of the capital. The Home Office said it is investigating allegations that farmers' lawnmowers started it.
The next day, separate fires broke out in nearby counties and cities from episodes at the cemetery and garbage incinerator. Authorities say the rapid spread of the fire is due to dry weather conditions.
The Justice Department said it had moved about 500 prisoners from North Yangsan province overnight on Tuesday, according to Yonghap News.
