ChildFund Korea

The Sudden Wildfire That Devoured Their Homes and Lives In March 2025, massive wildfires broke out simultaneously in several areas of Gyeongsang Province, devouring countless homes, villages, and buildings. The fires raged for several hours and in some areas for more than two days, leading to the declaration of six regions—including Ulju in Ulsan, Uiseong in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Hadong in Gyeongsangnam-do Province—as special disaster zones. Fueled by strong winds, the fires spread in an instant, forcing residents to evacuate without even packing a few belongings. Dozens lost their lives, and approximately 20,000 people who barely escaped are now left without homes, in urgent need of relief and recovery. Wildfire Damage Poses a Threat to the Most Vulnerable Children The flames did not stop at the mountains—they spread to houses, schools, and child welfare facilities. Seventy children from childcare facilities in Uiseong and Andong were urgently evacuated to two temporary shelters set up in churches. The children barely escaped with their lives and lack even basic items like towels, toothbrushes, or spare clothes. They are growing exhausted in the uncertainty of how long they must remain in the shelters and whether they will ever return to their facilities. At 8 p.m. on March 25, the fire spread to Yeongdeok, triggering an emergency evacuation order for 32 children at a childcare facility. With no space left in the temporary shelters, the children had to take refuge in the basement of a church. Sitting side by side on the cold concrete floor, the children spent a sleepless night in fear that the flames might cross the river and reach them. Help Restore the Daily Lives of These Children The children who suddenly lost their precious homes need our care and support more than ever. To help the affected children and families overcome and recover from the devastating wildfires, ongoing support is essential. Your valuable donations will be used to provide emergency living expenses, improve housing conditions, and offer psychological and emotional therapy for children affected by the fires.