Fierce winds and dry conditions triggered dozens of wildfires across South Korea in March 2025, prompting evacuations and a massive firefighting response. Satellite images captured dramatic smoke plumes rising from regions like Uiseong and Sancheong counties,

At least 27 people have died in what have grown into the largest wildfires in South Korea's history. Most of those who have lost their lives were in their 60s and 70s - in other words, those who struggled to escape the fast-moving infernos.

Light rain offered some relief to South Korean authorities tackling the country's worst wildfires on record, with exhausted firefighters making another push on Friday to contain blazes stretching 70 km (44 miles).