Fire at Dongdaemun Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market... 20 Stores Burned, Firefighting Underway (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] A large fire broke out at the traditional market in Dongdaemun, Seoul, ahead of Chuseok, and the fire authorities are conducting firefighting operations.

The Fire Agency announced that a fire occurred at the Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, around 4:30 a.m. on the 21st, and as of 7:40 a.m., 20 stores were destroyed.

The fire authorities initially issued Response Level 1 about 10 minutes after the fire report was received at 4:43 a.m., and then issued Response Level 2 again about 10 minutes later at 4:54 a.m. The level was downgraded to Response Level 1 around 7:26 a.m. when the initial extinguishing work was carried out.

At the scene, 226 personnel including fire trucks, 58 vehicles, and police officers were dispatched.

The fire is known to have started in a refrigerated warehouse within the fruit and vegetable market, and no casualties have been reported so far.

The Fire Agency stated, "The fire broke out in the warehouse of the fruit and vegetable store, burning 20 stores, and the main flames have been controlled so far," adding, "Since a large amount of Chuseok holiday goods were stored, it is expected that it will take considerable time to extinguish the fire."