Hundreds Evacuated in major South Korean Commercial building Fire
A significant fire broke out in a multi-story commercial building in Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, on January 3rd, 2025, leading to the evacuation of approximately 300 people. While the incident resulted in injuries, thankfully, no fatalities have been reported.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters reported that the blaze ignited around 4:37 p.m. in a building with five underground levels and eight above-ground floors. The building, completed in July 2005, housed a variety of businesses, including restaurants and a swimming pool.
Firefighters swiftly responded, rescuing approximately 240 individuals from the building. “We rescued around 150 people from the rooftop,with additional groups on the 6th,5th,and lower levels,” a fire department spokesperson stated. “An additional 70 people self-evacuated.” The fire was declared fully extinguished at approximately 6:01 p.m., about an hour and ten minutes after the initial alarm.
While approximately 130 people sustained injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation, the fire department emphasized that “Most of the injuries were minor.” Twenty-six individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. “We are conducting a thorough search to ensure everyone is accounted for,” the spokesperson added.
The rapid response involved escalating the emergency to a second-level alert at 4:43 p.m., mobilizing significant resources from multiple fire departments. This level of response typically involves 51 to 80 pieces of equipment from 8 to 14 fire departments. The alert level was downgraded to level 1 at 5:18 p.m. after an initial assessment.
The incident highlights the importance of robust fire safety measures in large commercial buildings and underscores the dedication of emergency responders in ensuring the safety of the public. The cause of the fire is currently under examination.
Interview with Fire Department Spokesperson
Q: Could you please describe the scene when firefighters arrived at the commercial building in Bundang-gu?
A: When our teams arrived at the scene, the fire was already significant, engulfing a notable portion of the building’s facade.thick smoke billowed from the upper levels, and many people were trapped on the rooftop and other floors.
Q: How many people were evacuated from the building, and did anyone sustain injuries?
A: Our teams successfully evacuated approximately 300 individuals from the building. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but around 130 people suffered from smoke inhalation and other minor injuries. twenty-six individuals required transportation to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
Q: What measures were taken to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation?
A: We immediately elevated the emergency to a second-level alert, which mobilized substantial resources from multiple fire departments. This allowed us to deploy a large number of firefighters and equipment to the scene quickly. We also prioritized rescuing people from the rooftop and other higher floors, where individuals were most vulnerable.
Q: How long did it take to fully extinguish the fire?
A: it took approximately one hour and ten minutes to bring the fire under control. While the flames were extinguished relatively quickly thanks to the swift response, the search and rescue operation took longer to ensure every individual was accounted for.
Q: What is the next step in the examination into the cause of the fire?
A: We are currently working with investigators to determine the origin and cause of the fire. This will involve a thorough examination of the scene, eyewitness accounts, and any available footage. Our goal is to identify the cause and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Q: This incident underscores the importance of fire safety measures in large commercial buildings. What message would you like to convey to the public?
A:** This incident highlights the crucial importance of regular fire drills, ensuring clear escape routes, and maintaining functional fire safety equipment in all buildings. We urge everyone to familiarize themselves with their building’s evacuation procedures and to take fire safety seriously.
