Wildfires sweeping through South Korea’s southeastern region have intensified, threatening a UNESCO World Heritage site and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.

In Andong, a city with a population of 150,000, officials issued an urgent evacuation alert as flames approached Hahoe Village, a historic site recognized for its traditional Korean hanok houses. According to city authorities, the fire was approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the village as of Tuesday.

The devastating blazes, which erupted on Saturday, have been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, leaving at least four people dead and forcing hundreds to evacuate. Several counties affected by the disaster have been declared "special disaster zones" by the government.

Local landmarks, including ancient Buddhist temples, have suffered severe damage. Unramsa, a centuries-old temple, was among the cultural sites reduced to ashes. “Because this is such an old temple, it is so regrettable and heartbreaking that it has been burned down,” said Jeung Meung-suk, a 55-year-old Buddhist follower.

Acting President Han Duck-soo has pledged to mobilize all available resources, including helicopters and firefighting teams, to bring the fires under control as swiftly as possible. Emergency teams continue to battle the flames, with efforts focused on protecting communities and historical sites from further destruction.