SEOUL: South Korean police are investigating a 56-year-old man suspected of unintentionally igniting the nation’s largest wildfire, which has resulted in 30 fatalities. The man was performing an ancestral rite at his grandparents' graves in Uiseong County when the incident occurred on March 22. According to authorities, he attempted to burn tree branches hanging over the grave with a cigarette lighter, which reportedly led to the flames spreading rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions. This catastrophic event has burned over 48,000 hectares of land, an area equivalent in size to 80% of Seoul, and destroyed approximately 4,000 structures, including significant historical sites like the Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As of last week, the primary wildfire has been largely contained, although smaller flare-ups continue to pose challenges for firefighters. The South Korea Forest Service has indicated that unseasonably warm weather and below-average rainfall contributed to the fire's ferocity, further compounded by the ongoing demographic crisis in rural areas, contributing to the vulnerability of these communities. “We booked him without detention for investigation,” stated an official from the provincial police, emphasizing that the investigation will continue as they gather evidence.

Most of the casualties have been individuals aged in their 60s and 70s. Among the fatalities is a helicopter pilot who lost his life during firefighting efforts. The South Korean government has announced plans to provide financial support to those displaced by the disaster, amid increasing criticism regarding the adequacy of national disaster management responses.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations to ascertain the details of the incident and the effectiveness of emergency responses. For further details, visit Channel News Asia, BBC, and Reuters.