Story of Sinjang Restaurant Near Uijeongbu Fire Scene Gains Attention
Cooking Facilities and Restroom Offered
"I Just Wanted to Help in Any Way"
A restaurant owner who opened his restaurant early in the morning to assist firefighters at a large fire scene has gained attention for his good deed.
On the 28th, Yonhap News reported the story of Sinjang Restaurant in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, citing fire authorities and others. On the 14th at around 8:40 p.m., a fire broke out in the space between a glass manufacturing factory and a bedding manufacturing factory in Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, Yonghyeon-dong, Uijeongbu City. The fire quickly spread riding on strong winds blowing southward, putting nearby shops and factories at risk.
Kim Young-wan (66), the owner of Sinjang Restaurant who has been running the business near the fire site for 25 years, checked disaster alert messages after returning home from work and headed to the scene to confirm that his restaurant was safe. Kim told Yonhap News, "If the wind direction had been north, our restaurant and nearby factories could have been in danger, but we were fortunate."
Side dishes and tableware provided to firefighters at Sinjang Restaurant [Image source= SNS capture]
As the flames gradually subsided, Kim, who was watching the situation at the scene, decided to help firefighters and police officers by opening his restaurant despite the early morning hours. Seeing the volunteer firefighters busy boiling water and using the microwave, he provided cooking facilities and space. He personally boiled water, took out side dishes, and allowed firefighters to eat cup noodles and drink coffee, also opening the restroom for their use.
An official from the Uijeongbu Fire Station expressed gratitude, saying, "Even though it was early morning, the owner opened his restaurant so that the firefighters could have warm food and rest briefly in the cold. Even though their uniforms were soiled with smoke and dust, he did not hesitate to offer the restroom, which was a great help."
Kim said, "Providing a warm space for firefighters and police officers working hard at the scene is something that should naturally be done. Since the volunteer firefighters had difficulty preparing food outdoors, I thought it was right to let them use the restaurant facilities."
This story quickly spread through local social media, and netizens showered praise on Kim for his consideration.
Meanwhile, the fire caused total destruction of three factory buildings and partial damage to five others, resulting in property damage estimated at 928 million won (according to the fire station). There were no casualties.
The police and fire authorities are conducting joint investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire.
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