SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Unprecedented wildfires ripping through South Korea’s southern regions have destroyed large parts of an ancient Buddhist temple, ruining two of its three state-designated “treasures.”

South Korea grounded firefighting helicopters following a fatal crash on Wednesday as authorities struggle to contain “unprecedented” wildfires that have ravaged the country’s southeast, killing at least 19 people and destroying a centuries-old Buddhist temple.

Wildfires continued to spread across South Korea's southeastern region on Tuesday, tearing through local landmarks, including ancient Buddhist temples.Standing among the charred remains of one such temple,