Massive wildfires are destroying parts of South Korea’s southeast, killing at least 24 people and forcing over 23,000 to leave their homes. Strong winds are making the fires worse, and officials say this is the deadliest wildfire disaster in the country’s history.

### *Fires Spreading Fast*
The fires started in Sancheong County on Friday and quickly spread to Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. Dry, strong winds are pushing the flames across forests, burning more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres), making this one of the biggest wildfires South Korea has ever seen.

Experts say the fire in Uiseong is spreading at an unbelievable speed. “The destruction is like nothing we’ve seen before,” said fire expert Lee Byung-doo.

### *Historic Temple Destroyed*
The famous 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong has burned down, along with a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Some historical items were saved, but many were lost.

Buddhist monk Joung-ou was heartbroken. “It’s painful to see history disappear like this,” he said.

### *People Struggle to Escape*
Many people tried to save their homes, but the fires were too strong. “Fireballs fell from the sky,” said apple farmer Cho Jae-oak, who sprayed water on his house all day before escaping with his wife.

In Andong, evacuees had to leave a shelter when the fire got too close. “The wind was too strong. The fire jumped onto my house,” said 79-year-old Kwon So-han.

### *A Desperate Fight*
Thousands of firefighters, 5,000 military personnel, and US military helicopters are working to stop the fires, but the strong winds are making it difficult.

The situation got worse when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County on Wednesday. Authorities are investigating.

Acting President Han Duck-soo said, “We have never faced a disaster like this. We hoped for rain, but only a little is expected.”

### *What Went Wrong?*
So far this year, South Korea has had 244 wildfires—2.4 times more than last year. The government promises stricter rules against illegal burning and a full investigation into how this happened.