Scorched Earth: Wildfires in Korea and Around the World

1. Recent Record-Breaking Wildfires Around the World

In the past two years, the world has witnessed a dramatic surge in wildfire disasters, both in scale and frequency. These fires have devastated ecosystems, displaced communities, and sent plumes of smoke across continents—serving as a stark reminder of our planet’s growing climate instability.

• 2023 Canada experienced its worst wildfire season in recorded history, with over 18 million hectares (44.5 million acres) burned. The fires released enormous volumes of carbon emissions, affecting air quality across North America and even reaching parts of Europe.
• In 2024, South America—especially Bolivia and Venezuela—battled ferocious wildfires exacerbated by prolonged drought and high temperatures. Bolivia alone saw around 3 million hectares scorched, marking its highest wildfire emissions since 2003.
• The Western United States and Canada faced another round of “megafires” in 2024, driven by rising temperatures and historic drought conditions. Fires in states like California, Oregon, and British Columbia collectively burned over 2.5 million hectares.
• Australia, infamous for its bushfires, suffered the destruction of over 6 million hectares during its 2024 fire season. Record-breaking heat and dry conditions once again highlighted the continent’s vulnerability to wildfires.
• In war-torn Ukraine, 2024 brought the most extensive wildfires in over three decades. Sparked by artillery and bombings, fires burned approximately 965,000 hectares, devastating forests and agricultural land.

2. Korean Wildfires This Month

South Korea is now grappling with its most catastrophic wildfire disaster on record. Since March 21, 2025, over 20 fires erupted simultaneously, claiming the lives of at least 30 people and displacing over 37,000 residents. These fires have destroyed thousands of homes, vehicles, and cultural heritage sites—including historic temples in Andong city.

The blazes have scorched more than 48,000 hectares across various provinces.

But why did they happen all at once?

Several factors converged to create the perfect firestorm:

• Extremely dry weather and low humidity
• Strong spring winds, typical in March
• Traditional ancestral grave visits (산소), during which people often burn incense or clear brush
• Delayed response in rural areas lacking rapid firefighting infrastructure

This month’s wildfires are more than just a national emergency; they are a climate signal.

3. Prevention and Policy Changes Underway

In response, South Korea is taking significant steps to prevent future wildfires:

• Public Alert System Overhaul: The Korean Public Alert Service (KPAS) has been updated to provide more detailed, location-specific emergency notifications.
• Wildfire Policy Reform: Policymakers are pushing for stronger wildfire prevention strategies. This includes hiring younger, full-time firefighting staff and increasing national funding for disaster preparedness.
• Smart Forest Management: The Korea Forest Service is deploying new integrated command systems and exploring smart technology to monitor and control forest fires in real-time.
• Climate-Responsive Planning: Authorities are also exploring long-term strategies that adapt to new wildfire patterns caused by climate change.

4. Climate Change: The Firestarter

At the heart of this global crisis lies a critical driver: climate change.

Rising global temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts are transforming once-manageable wildfires into uncontrollable infernos. The science is clear: hotter temperatures lead to drier forests, and drier forests ignite more easily and burn more fiercely.

South Korea’s record-breaking fires, Canada’s smoldering summer, and Ukraine’s war-fueled blazes are not isolated events—they are part of a disturbing trend. Wildfires are no longer rare emergencies; they are becoming a regular feature of life on a warming planet.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 wildfire season is a wake-up call not just for Korea, but for the entire world. As we confront these growing threats, one thing becomes clear: tackling wildfires requires more than firefighting—it demands climate action, policy reform, and a global commitment to protecting both people and the planet.

Let’s not wait until the next fire to act.