South Korea battling worst wildfire in its history, death toll rises to 18

In South Korea, the death toll from a wave of wildfires that tore through southeastern region has risen to 18, with one person missing, forest service officials said Wednesday, as firefighters still battled to contain the rapidly spreading blazes.The fires that began in Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province last Friday have spread to nearby Uiseong, and were advancing to neighboring Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok, fueled by strong and dry winds. Acting President Han Duck-soo called for all-out efforts to help prevent the further spread of deadly wildfires, describing them as "the worst ever wildfires." So far, the wildfires have destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest and 209 houses and factories, Han said."Please avoid burning vegetation around rice paddies or fields, refrain from disposing of trash through open flames, and do not discard cigarette butts carelessly," he added.
He reported that 128 helicopters, 1,144 military personnel, 3,135 firefighters, 1,186 fire suppression specialists, and 4,652 public officials and others have been deployed. However, strong winds have hindered containment efforts, allowing the fire to consume 17,000 hectares of forest and destroy 209 homes and factories. Over 20,000 residents in the region evacuated their homes, according to disaster authorities.