Light rain offered some relief to South Korean authorities tackling the country's worst wildfires on record, with exhausted firefighters making another push on Friday to contain blazes stretching 70 km (44 miles).

About 73% of South Korea's 9,472 seasonal wildfire fighters are over 60-years-old, according to the forest service's latest data, often the only people available to work such schedules. The position has no age limit and pays $50 per day, employed during January-May and November-December periods, according to the service's website.

Officials say the most destructive wildfires ever to hit South Korea are almost contained. The government's announcement Friday comes after rain and cooler temperatures helped fire crew put out the blazes that have killed 28 people and razed vast swaths of land since last week.