A 73-year-old pilot lost his life when his S-76 helicopter crashed while combating wildfires in Uiseong County, approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The incident occurred around 12:54 p.m. local time on March 26, 2025. In response, the Korea Forest Service has grounded all firefighting helicopters pending an investigation into the crash.
The wildfires, which began on March 21, have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and the evacuation of approximately 27,000 residents. Strong winds have exacerbated the fires, leading to the destruction of over 200 structures and more than 43,000 acres of land. Acting President Han Duck-soo has described the situation as the worst wildfires in the country’s history and has called for all-out efforts to contain the blazes.
Authorities are investigating the causes of wildfires, including human error, such as the use of fire to clear grass and sparks from welding, which are suspected in some cases. The Korea Forest Service has issued the highest wildfire warning level as firefighting efforts continue.
The loss of the pilot underscores the dangers faced by those battling the wildfires, and efforts are ongoing to control the fires and prevent further casualties.
