Forest fires ravaging South Korea have blanketed the region in thick smoke.

The massive inferno reportedly started in Sancheong county on Friday, March 21, and later spread to Uiseong county.

Triggered by strong and dry winds, the deadly flames quickly spread to the neighbouring counties of Gyeongbuk, Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Sancheong.

Dramatic footage shows the scene engulfed in thick haze, reducing visibility to near zero.

Authorities confirmed that 24 people had been killed, with most victims said to be elderly, unable to flee as the blaze spread. Another 26 individuals were injured, 12 of whom were in severe condition.

More than 27,000 people were forced to evacuate to ensure their safety.

On Wednesday, a pilot of a firefighting helicopter was killed when the aircraft crashed in the mountains of Uiseong.

Around 17,000 hectares of forest were scorched, making the fires the third-largest in South Korea's history in terms of area.