South Korea wildfires become 'largest on record' as death toll rises

Wildfires in South Korea have become the largest on record, burning more forested area than any previous blaze, according to the country's disaster chief.

Lee Han-kyung, head of the disaster and safety division, reported Thursday that the wildfires have caused extensive damage, with 35,810 hectares of forest affected, surpassing the 2000 East Coast wildfire by over 10,000 hectares.
The disaster continues to unfold, and the death toll has now risen to 26, as the fires spread rapidly across the country. Authorities are working to contain the situation as the scale of the devastation becomes increasingly clear.

SR