Death toll from South Korean wildfires rises to 18

Days of wildfires in southern South Korea have killed 18 people and injured nearly 20 others.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 18 people have been killed and 19 injured as forest fires continue to spread in northern Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, Yonhap reported.

A mountain fire broke out last Saturday in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province. Local authorities were notified that the fire was started accidentally while cleaning a grave. In the afternoon, authorities issued a level 3 wildfire alert.

The fire, which initially killed four people, spread to Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok counties.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said in a speech Wednesday, Wildfires in Ulsan and Gyeongsang have been burning for five consecutive days, causing unprecedented damage. Wildfires are moving faster than existing forecast models and previous expectations."