Investigation Underway for Suspected Arsonist Behind Deadly South Korea Wildfires

The 56-year-old man allegedly caused a deadly wildfire in South Korea while performing an ancestral rite; authorities seek financial aid for displaced individuals as investigations continue.

In South Korea, a 56-year-old man is being investigated for his suspected role in igniting a catastrophic wildfire that claimed the lives of 30 individuals. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was tending to a family grave in Uiseong county, North Gyeongsang province, at the time of the incident. He has been booked for questioning but has not yet been arrested, as authorities await the completion of an investigation at the fire site. The suspect firmly denies any wrongdoing.

Officials announced that after a grueling 10-day battle, the primary fire has finally been contained, although its aftermath has left a trail of destruction across the region, impacting numerous historic sites. Reports indicate that the man's daughter revealed that the fire ignited when her father attempted to burn tree branches over the graves using a cigarette lighter.

The wildfire wreaked havoc across more than 48,000 hectares, an area roughly 80% the size of Seoul, as per the Korea Forest Service. The blaze obliterated around 4,000 structures, including homes, factories, and several national treasures. Among the historic sites lost to the flames is Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in AD 618, which was one of the largest temples in the province.

Authorities noted that while the main fire has been controlled, smaller fires continue to flare up, exacerbated by dry and windy conditions. The region's unusually warm weather and dense pine forests added to the severity of the situation. Investigations involving police, fire authorities, and forest management teams are scheduled to begin next week to determine the full extent of the disaster.

In response to the calamity, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo announced that the government would extend financial aid to support those who have been displaced by the fires, emphasizing the need for immediate assistance for affected communities.