Seoul, South Korea – South Korea is facing a devastating wildfire crisis in its southeast region, with at least 24 people dead and a historic Buddhist temple destroyed. The wildfires have prompted authorities to redeploy firefighting helicopters, following a fatal crash, as they struggle to contain the raging fires fueled by dry air and strong winds.

The fatal helicopter crash occurred in Uiseong County, more than 125 miles southeast of Seoul, as the pilot was working to control a rapidly spreading fire. The pilot tragically lost their life in the crash, marking a grim turn in the ongoing firefighting efforts.

Among the casualties were four civil servants dispatched to combat the wildfires, underlining the dangerous conditions faced by those on the front lines. The fires have also claimed the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong County, a significant Buddhist landmark reduced to ashes, with only its ceremonial bell remaining intact.

As of Wednesday, authorities reported that more than 17,398 hectares of land have been consumed by the fires, leading to unprecedented damage and the worst wildfire outbreak in recent memory. South Korea’s Prime Minister and acting president, Han Duck-soo, emphasized the urgent need to focus all resources on extinguishing the wildfires, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Over 10,000 firefighters, police, and civil servants have been deployed to multiple areas in the south to combat the blazes, with evacuation orders issued in Andong and other southeastern regions. Residents of the historic Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were asked to evacuate as firefighters battled to protect the traditional homes from the encroaching flames.

The wildfires originated in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang province, and quickly spread across North and South Gyeongsang as well as Ulsan city. A state of emergency was declared for Ulsan city and the Gyeongsang provinces, with the Korea Forest Service elevating its wildfire warning to the highest level nationwide.

Despite the challenging conditions, officials are hopeful that forecasted rain will aid firefighters in their efforts to contain and extinguish the wildfires. However, with a sharp increase in the number of wildfires reported compared to previous years, authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and cooperate to prevent further devastation from recurring annually.