Deadly wildfires rage across south of South Korea, travelled 28,000 residents and killed 18 people. The blazes, fueled by eerie winds and parched conditions had burned 43,330 acres and destroyed more than 200 buildings, including an ancient Buddhist temple, the government’s emergency response agency said.
One of the saddest happened Sancheong, it happened four firefighters and government employees on the flames lost their lives. In Uiseong, a helicopter dropped during firefighting operations was trying to locate the pilot to legislation teams.
The fire has severely damaged Gounsa Temple, which was initially erected in the 7th century. Two state-designated treasures – a 17th-century pavilion and a Joseon Dynasty and period structure – have been incinerated. Luckily, an 8th century stone Buddha statue was successfully removed. 
Acting President Han Duck-soo urged the nation of catastrophic damage in a televised address. Literally, damages accumulating, said Han appealing to all emergency forces to collectively kick into high gear to contain the fires. About 4,650 people and 130 helicopters are fighting against the blaze.
The municipal authorities have upped the wildfire warning to the highest category, establishing stricter access to forests and emergency measures. That’s because, says officials in the North Carolina city, human error, welding sparks and tomb maintenance possibly caused some of the multiple fires.
Although a bit of rain is forecast for Thursday officials are fearful of disaster getting worse if the winds continue. The wildfire is now the third-largest in South Korea’s history – in terms of the area burned.
