Investigation Launched After Suspect Linked to Deadly South Korea Wildfire

South Korean officials are probing a 56-year-old man, who was tending to a family grave, as a potential arsonist in the wildfires that wreaked havoc across the country, killing many and destroying historical landmarks.

A 56-year-old man in South Korea is currently under investigation as authorities suspect him of igniting a catastrophic wildfire that resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals. The man, who has not been publicly named, was performing an ancestral rite at a family grave located on a hill in Uiseong county, North Gyeongsang province, at the time of the incident. While he has been booked for questioning, he has not yet been arrested and maintains his innocence regarding the allegations.

Government officials confirmed on Sunday that, after ten days of relentless efforts, the main wildfire has finally been brought under control. Nevertheless, the damage inflicted is significant, having led to the destruction of approximately 4,000 structures, including homes, factories, and notable cultural sites. Among the casualties is Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in AD 618, which was one of the most prominent temples in the area.

Investigators have reportedly spoken with the suspect's daughter, who conveyed that the fire started when her father attempted to burn off tree branches overhanging the graves using a lighter, sparking a blaze that would ultimately consume over 48,000 hectares of land — roughly 80% of the area of Seoul. Most victims of this disaster have been older adults, predominately in their 60s and 70s.

Although the primary fire has been contained, smaller flare-ups continue to occur. The situation has been worsened by intense dry winds, unseasonably warm weather, and the region's densely populated pine forests, which have all contributed to the fire's rapid spread to various cities and counties.

In response to the crisis, South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo announced plans for financial support to those displaced by the inferno, while an extensive investigation involving police, fire authorities, and forest management is set to commence next week.