South Korea: Authorities Arrest Suspect in Devastating Wildfires
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 30, South Korean authorities announced the arrest of a man suspected of igniting massive wildfires in southeastern regions, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The devastating fires have severely impacted local communities and heritage sites.
Key Takeaways
- The suspect is a 56-year-old man accused of starting the fire during an ancestral rite.
- The wildfires have claimed at least 26 lives and destroyed around 4,000 structures.
- Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was among the destroyed structures.
- The wildfires have scorched approximately 48,000 hectares of land.
- Authorities are conducting a joint investigation to ascertain the cause.
Seoul, March 30 (NationPress) Authorities in South Korea reported on Sunday that a man has been booked in connection with the devastating wildfires that have plagued the southeastern region of the country.
The 56-year-old suspect is believed to have ignited the fire around 11:25 a.m. on March 22 while he was conducting an ancestral ceremony at a family grave situated on a hill in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, as per reports from Yonhap news agency.
This blaze rapidly expanded to neighboring areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok over several days, exacerbated by strong winds in dry conditions, leading to a tragic death toll of at least 26 individuals in North Gyeongsang Province.
The wildfires have also resulted in the destruction of approximately 4,000 structures, notably Goun Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—alongside numerous homes, factories, and other facilities.
According to police, the suspect has refuted the charges against him.
The Korea Forest Service previously announced that the wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province had been completely contained by 5 p.m. Friday, but they rekindled overnight Saturday.
About 48,000 hectares of forest land, roughly the size of 80 percent of Seoul, have been scorched in what is considered the most severe wildfire crisis in South Korea's history, according to the forestry agency.
The fire, which originated in Sancheong County and extended into Mount Jiri National Park, was largely brought under control by Sunday, although authorities are still working to extinguish a remaining 200-meter stretch of fire on the park's outskirts.
To combat the blaze, authorities have deployed 50 helicopters, 1,473 personnel, and 213 vehicles, with efforts starting at dawn. As of 8 a.m., the fire was reported to be 99 percent contained.
Police plan to initiate a collaborative investigation as early as next week, partnering with the National Institute of Forest Science, the National Forensic Service, and fire officials.
