Wildfires swept across South Korea's southeast, prompting mass evacuations of residents and inmates. Acting President Han Duck-soo promised swift action with aerial and ground firefighting resources.

At least 27 people have died in what have grown into the largest wildfires in South Korea's history. Most of those who have lost their lives were in their 60s and 70s - in other words, those who struggled to escape the fast-moving infernos.