Fire Near Euljiro Sewoon Shopping Center 70% Contained

The fire that broke out near Sewoon Shopping Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, has been brought under control by nearly 70% after three hours.

Yonhap News Agency

At an on-site briefing held around 6:20 p.m. on May 28, Kim Chunsu, head of administration at the Seoul Jungbu Fire Station, stated, "We are currently demolishing the fire-damaged building block by block using heavy equipment," and added, "The current containment rate is about 70%."

As of this time, the fire authorities have mobilized 436 personnel, 100 pieces of equipment, and 5 fire trucks to contain the blaze. Response Level 1 was issued at approximately 3:49 p.m., and the response was elevated to Level 2 at around 4:37 p.m. An integrated support headquarters from the Jung-gu District Office has been set up at the scene.

The fire authorities believe the blaze originated for unknown reasons inside the first floor of an old commercial building, resulting in flames and smoke. A man in his 70s inhaled smoke on the third floor of the building and was transported to a nearby hospital. No additional casualties have been reported so far. According to the fire authorities, the area is designated for redevelopment, and about 40 out of 114 stores were vacant at the time.

Kim urged, "Due to the characteristics of urban fires, a large amount of smoke is being generated and carried far by the wind, so citizens at home or in offices should keep their windows closed and wear masks."

According to the Seoul Jungbu Fire Station and others, the fire broke out at around 3:25 p.m. on May 28 in an old commercial building near Euljiro Sewoon Daelim Shopping Center. As a result, all lanes from Euljiro 3-ga to Euljiro 4-ga in the direction of City Hall were completely closed. Smoke also entered nearby subway stations, including Euljiro 4-ga Station, but there was no disruption to train operations.