India, March 26 -- South Korea is reeling from one of the most destructive wildfire outbreaks in its history, as wind-driven blazes have scorched the country's southern regions, claiming at least 24 lives, including a helicopter pilot, and forcing more than 27,000 people to evacuate.

The National Fire Agency confirmed on Wednesday that the infernos, which erupted last Friday, have destroyed over 200 structures, including homes, factories, and an ancient Buddhist temple. The fires have consumed approximately 43,330 acres of land, making this one of South Korea's largest wildfires by area burned.

Among the victims was a pilot whose helicopter crashed while battling flames in the southeastern town of Uiseong, one of the hardest-hit areas. ...