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Key Points

South Korean police are preparing to question a man suspected of accidentally sparking the country's deadliest wildfires while performing ancestral rites. The blaze, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, killed at least 28 people and forced 38,000 to evacuate. Authorities are investigating potential violations of multiple laws, including the Forest Protection Act. Firefighters finally contained the week-long disaster after 149 hours of battling the flames.

Key Points: South Korean Police to Question Suspect in Deadly Wildfires

  • Suspect ignited fire during ancestral rites in Uiseong County
  • Wildfires killed 28 and displaced 38,000
  • Authorities assessing Forest Protection Act violations
  • Blaze fully contained after 149 hours
2 min read

South Korean Police to summon suspect in worst-ever wildfires for questioning

A man in his 50s suspected of starting South Korea's worst-ever wildfires during ancestral rites faces questioning as authorities assess legal violations.

"The accidental starting of a wildfire can result in up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won. – Yonhap News"

Seoul, March 28

South Korean Police will summon a man suspected of causing massive wildfires in South Korea's southeastern region, officials said Friday.

The suspect in his 50s is suspected of causing the fire at 11:24 a.m. on Saturday while performing an ancestral rite at a family grave on a hill in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province.

The fire rapidly spread due to gusty winds amid dry conditions, devastating the region before being fully contained around 5 p.m. Friday.

At least 24 people were killed and 25 others injured in the province alone, with thousands evacuated, according to authorities.

Police completed a preliminary investigation involving his daughter recently, and are drawing up plans to question the man, according to officials.

The accidental starting of a wildfire can result in up to three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won ($20,433) in South Korea.

Prosecutors have said the investigation needs to focus on whether he violated the Forest Protection Act, as well as the Criminal Act and the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, Yonhap news agency reported.

They also called for joint investigations with the police and relevant authorities, as the wildfires affected a total of five cities and counties in the province, according to officials.

Meanwhile, massive wildfires that ravaged South Korea's North Gyeongsang Province for a week were fully contained on Friday, authorities said, as better visibility and cooler temperatures from overnight rain helped firefighters put out the main blazes.

In South Korea's worst wildfire disaster, a wave of forest fires has devastated the southeastern region, including South Gyeongsang Province since last Friday, killing at least 28 people, injuring 37 and forcing some 38,000 people to flee, according to the government's disaster response agency.

The largest-ever wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province had been fully brought under control by 5 p.m., approximately 149 hours after it first broke out in the county of Uiseong, according to the Korea Forest Service (KFS).

Firefighting authorities are still working to contain fires in South Gyeongsang Province, where, as of 3 p.m., an average of 93 per cent of fires across the region had been extinguished.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
James K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Traditional rites are important but people need to be extra careful during dry seasons. Those poor families who lost loved ones...
S
Sarah L.
While this was clearly an accident, I hope this case leads to better public education about fire safety during ancestral rites. Prevention is key!
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Minho P.
As someone from the region, the devastation is unimaginable. The suspect must feel terrible, but accountability is still necessary given the scale of damage.
A
Alicia T.
The article mentions multiple acts being investigated - I wonder if the Cultural Heritage Protection Act applies because it was an ancestral rite site? Interesting legal angle.
D
David H.
Respectfully, I think the article could have included more about the firefighting efforts. The containment after 149 hours is impressive and deserves recognition too.
E
Eunji K.
My heart goes out to all affected. 38,000 people displaced is staggering. Hope the government provides proper support for rebuilding lives and homes.

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