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Powerful gusts, pine forests, and arid terrain ignited the fire

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Getty Images A view of wildfire spreading across the city as the fire continues to spread to the other cities due to strong winds on March 25,Getty Images
Strong wind, dry land and pine trees are a dangerous combination for wildfires, experts say

Strong winds, dense forest and unusually dry weather – that’s the deadly combination that experts say is fuelling the largest wildfires in South Korea’s history.

The inferno in the south-east has burned through 35,810 hectares (88,500 acres) as of Thursday – that’s about half the size of New York City – killing 27 people so far and displacing tens of thousands.

Authorities believe the wildfires started by accident from human activity, but the main drivers of the devastation are dry land, and strong gusts sweeping over inland regions.

The high concentration of pine forest in North Gyeongsang province, where the fires are burning, is also “oiling” the blaze, said a forest disaster expert.

Vulnerable pine forests

“Pine trees contain resin, which acts like oil, intensifying fires when ignited. This resin causes wildfires to burn faster, stronger, and longer,” said Lee Byung-doo from the National Institute of Forest Science in Seoul.

Map of wildfires in South Korea

Andong, one of the worst-hit cities, is known for its tranquil pine forests.

While they provide shelter and food for local wildlife and sometimes help break the wind, pine trees “become problematic during wildfires”, Mr Lee told the BBC.

“Because forests [in South Korea] contain large numbers of pine trees, the areas are particularly vulnerable when fires break out,” he said.

Furthermore, pine trees retain their needles throughout winter, making them susceptible to “crown fires” – wildfires that spread by igniting the dense canopy of branches and leaves. This has contributed to the rapid and extensive spread of the flames over the past week.

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An Andong resident who evacuated but lost her home told the BBC her family and their neighbours were caught off guard by the fires.

“No one in the village was prepared,” said the woman, who asked not to be named.

“We had to leave with nothing, and all our belongings are gone. Many of the residents are elderly, so I hope the government can provide temporary shelters where people can stay comfortably,” she said.

Historical relics have also been burned to the ground – a significant loss to an area considered one of South Korea’s cultural centres.

These include treasures in two temples, each more than 1,000 years old. One of them, the Gounsa temple, dates back to the Silla dynasty (57BC to 935AD).

Additional reporting by Rachel Lee and Jake Kwon in Seoul

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8l60l8ppzo

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