South Korea is battling its deadliest wildfire crisis, with at least 18 people dead and 19 injured. The wildfires, which started on Friday in Sancheong County, have spread to several cities, including Uiseong and Andong, destroying 17,000 hectares of forest. Over 23,000 people have been evacuated, and hundreds of structures have been damaged, including heritage sites like the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple.

The crisis, described as the worst in South Korea’s history, prompted the government to raise the fire response to its highest level. A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong county on Wednesday, adding to the chaos. Thousands of firefighters and 5,000 military personnel are working to control the blazes, supported by US military helicopters stationed in the region.

The wildfires have destroyed national treasures, including a Buddhist structure from the Joseon Dynasty. The fires have worsened due to strong winds, and no significant rain is expected soon. The South Korean government plans to review its response once the situation stabilizes and improve future wildfire prevention efforts. Authorities are also addressing illegal burning, one of the key causes of these devastating fires.