Seoul: Wildfires ravaging South Korea reignited in the southeastern area of the country overnight, fire authorities said Saturday, adding that firefighting helicopters were dispatched.

According to Anadolu Agency, an official with the Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters reported that smoke was detected in Andong, located 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul in North Gyeongsang Province, around 10 p.m. Friday. Forestry officials suspect the fire reignited around 3 a.m. Saturday.

The Korea Forest Service had announced earlier that wildfires in North Gyeongsang were fully controlled as of Friday. These fires had previously resulted in casualties and displaced thousands. However, officials confirmed that fires had also restarted in other parts of the province, including Euiseong, south of Andong.

Regional officials have deployed nine firefighting helicopters, 230 firefighters, public servants, and 50 soldiers to manage the situation. Up to 30 helicopters are planned to be sent by North Gyeongsang officials as additional smoke was reported in parts of the province, although authorities claimed the fires had not restarted.

The recent wildfires have severely impacted the region, burning 48,000 hectares of woodland, as per government data. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported that the fires have resulted in 29 fatalities and 41 injuries as of Saturday morning. Furthermore, 6,885 individuals from 4,193 households remain unable to return home following evacuations.