Everland Engulfed in Thick Black Smoke... 13m 'Magic Tree' on Fire

Fire Fully Extinguished About 25 Minutes After Outbreak
No Casualties, but Some Sculptures Damaged by Fire
Police and Fire Authorities Investigating Cause

A fire of unknown cause broke out at a large sculpture installed at Everland in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, at around 11:10 a.m. on the 12th.

According to Yonhap News, the fire authorities, upon receiving the report that day, deployed 14 pieces of equipment including command vehicles and 44 personnel to suppress the fire. The major fire was brought under control around 11:27 a.m., and was completely extinguished by 11:35 a.m.

Everland Fire Scene Photo by Yonhap News

There were no casualties due to the fire, but it was reported that part of the sculpture was destroyed.

The sculpture where the fire occurred is the 13-meter-high 'Magic Tree' installed in the plaza in front of the main gate of Everland. Since it is a spot where many visitors gather, the 119 emergency call was reportedly made promptly when the fire broke out.

At the time, some commotion occurred as students on a field trip and group visitors either came to film the fire scene or evacuated.

Everland officials told Yonhap News, "Employees who witnessed the scene said that around 11:10 a.m., flames and smoke suddenly erupted and spread from the sculpture," describing the situation at the time.

Meanwhile, the police and fire authorities plan to investigate the detailed circumstances of the fire.