A wildfire that broke out on Friday in South Korea has destroyed an estimated 16,755 hectares of woodland as of 6 a.m. Monday, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. Photo: VCG

The fire began on a mountain in Uljin county and spread quickly through the country’s eastern coastal region. Photo: VCG

A house burns on Saturday. A total 343 homes were damaged by the wildfires, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters of South Korea. Photo: VCG

People look on as a building burns on Saturday. No casualties were reported as of Monday. Photo: VCG

Tens of thousands of firefighting personnel, 95 helicopters and 781 vehicles have been mobilized to take part in the rescue work. Photo: VCG

Firefighters spray water to extinguish a fire in a home on Saturday. Photo: VCG

Fire engines stand by inside the grounds of Hanul Nuclear Power Plant on Monday to protect it from the wildfire. Photo: VCG

Trees near the nuclear power plant were blackened on Monday. Photo: VCG

Smoke clouds tint the sky orange on Saturday. Photo: VCG

The authorities aim to put out main fires on Monday in the Uljin, Samcheok, Gangneung, Yeongweol and Dalseong regions as an easterly wind is expected to blow in on Tuesday afternoon, which may worsen the situation. Photo: VCG