In March 2025, violent winds and dry weather triggered dozens of forest fires across South Korea, forcing emergency evacuations and large-scale firefighting operations. Satellite images showed thick smoke billowing from areas such as Uiseong and Sancheong counties, destroying homes, infrastructure and even a historic temple. Thousands of hectares of land burned as officials battled mountainous terrain and strong winds. By March 24, most of the fires were under control, but the scars left were enough to prompt the government to declare a state of disaster.


In March 2025, raging wildfires swept South Korea due to dry weather and strong winds. Entire communities were evacuated, monuments were burned and fire control was difficult due to the rugged terrain.

Mountain fires occur across South Korea

In March 2025, due to dry weather and strong winds, the fire situation was very dangerous, and dozens of wildfires broke out across South Korea. The first fire broke out on March 21, resulting in widespread evacuations and a massive emergency response. Thousands of personnel and more than 100 helicopters were sent to fight the fire, according to news reports.

On March 22, NASA's Aqua satellite captured the visible plume (pictured above) using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). One of the worst fires occurred near Andong in Uiseong County, where more than 1,000 people were evacuated. The fire forced the closure of several highways and a railway line and destroyed a historic temple.

Fast-moving fires and dangerous terrain

According to the Associated Press, as of the evening of March 22, another fast-spreading fire had burned more than 500 hectares (about 2 square miles) of land in the rural area of ​​Sancheong County further south. The fire resulted in several injuries and deaths. Rough terrain and high winds made fighting the fire more difficult.

Authorities issued strong wind warnings on March 21 and 22, warning residents not to burn garbage or agricultural waste. The spread of fires has been exacerbated by ongoing dry weather - March to May is usually the driest time of the year in South Korea.

Fire control and damage assessment

As of March 24, many fires had been extinguished, with the fires in Uiseong County and Sancheong County each being about two-thirds contained, according to news reports citing officials. In total, the fires reportedly burned at least 8,700 hectares (34 square miles). The government declared a state of disaster in several affected areas.

NASA Earth Observatory image was taken by Michala Garrison using MODIS data from NASA's EOS DISLANCE and GIBS/Worldview.

Compiled from /ScitechDaily