An investigation is underway into a deadly wildfire in South Korea, with a 56-year-old man suspected of igniting the flames during an ancestral rite on family property.
Suspect in South Korea's Deadly Wildfires Identified Amid Investigation
Suspect in South Korea's Deadly Wildfires Identified Amid Investigation
A 56-year-old man is under investigation for allegedly starting wildfires that claimed 30 lives in South Korea.
The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was tending to a grave on a hill in Uiseong county, North Gyeongsang province when authorities believe the fire began. Although he has been booked, he has not yet been arrested and is set to be questioned once forensic investigations at the fire site conclude. The suspect has denied any wrongdoing.
The wildfires, which erupted ten days ago before being brought under control on Sunday, have wreaked havoc across the region, destroying around 48,000 hectares—an area roughly equivalent to 80% of Seoul. More than 4,000 structures, including homes, factories, and historic sites were lost, with Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 618 AD, notably among them.
According to investigators, the fire is believed to have started when the man attempted to burn tree branches overhanging the graves using a cigarette lighter. The majority of those who perished were senior citizens in their 60s and 70s. Although the main fire has been extinguished, smaller blazes continue to rekindle due to prevailing dry conditions and gusty winds.
The Korea Forest Service has reported the wildfires have spread through several cities and counties, aggravated by unusually warm weather and dry pine forests. An extensive investigation involving police, fire services, and forest management is set to commence next week. In response to the disaster, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo announced financial aid for the victims displaced by the wildfires.
The wildfires, which erupted ten days ago before being brought under control on Sunday, have wreaked havoc across the region, destroying around 48,000 hectares—an area roughly equivalent to 80% of Seoul. More than 4,000 structures, including homes, factories, and historic sites were lost, with Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 618 AD, notably among them.
According to investigators, the fire is believed to have started when the man attempted to burn tree branches overhanging the graves using a cigarette lighter. The majority of those who perished were senior citizens in their 60s and 70s. Although the main fire has been extinguished, smaller blazes continue to rekindle due to prevailing dry conditions and gusty winds.
The Korea Forest Service has reported the wildfires have spread through several cities and counties, aggravated by unusually warm weather and dry pine forests. An extensive investigation involving police, fire services, and forest management is set to commence next week. In response to the disaster, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo announced financial aid for the victims displaced by the wildfires.
