South Korea is struggling to contain multiple forest fires ravaging the southeast of the country, fanned by strong winds and dry air, and causing worsening air pollution. On Monday, March 24, authorities ordered firefighters and part of the population of Uiseong county (North Gyeongsang province, southeast) to take refuge in schools or other municipal buildings. The decision was prompted by fears of strong winds of up to 55 km/h, likely to fan the flames of as yet uncontrolled fires.

The first outbreaks were spotted on March 21 in Sancheong county, 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Other fires then broke out in Uiseong and near the large port of Ulsan. By March 24, a total of 50 fires had burned 7,700 hectares of woodland, according to the Korea Forest Service (KFS). Four people were killed and six injured. Buildings and houses burnt down, train traffic was temporarily suspended and road traffic blocked. "The fires are spreading rapidly to larger areas due to the dry weather. They're threatening people's lives," said Lee Han-kyung, who is coordinating the response to the crisis.

You have 72.67% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.