Wildfires driven by strong winds have devastated parts of South Korea’s southern regions, killing at least 19 people, destroying more than 200 structures, and forcing 27,000 people to evacuate, Alzajeera reported.

A helicopter pilot was among those killed on Wednesday when his aircraft crashed while attempting to stop fires in Uiseong, one of the worst-hit locations, according to officials.

The wildfires, which began last Friday, have devoured 43,330 acres (17,535 hectares) of land, destroying a historic Buddhist temple as well as houses, industries, automobiles, and other property, according to Alzajeera.

The government's emergency response centre reports that nineteen individuals have been hurt.

Observers claim that, the present wildfires are the third-largest in South Korean history in terms of land use.