Mayor Park Gangsu Visits Fire Sites in Mapo District, Vows Full Support for Affected Residents

Mayor Park Gangsu Visits Fire Sites in Mapo District
Oversees Recovery Efforts and Resident Safety After Changjeon-dong Apartment Fire
District Provides Emergency Support and Accommodation for Evacuated Residents

Following a series of fires in Mapo District, Seoul, which caused significant damage to residents, Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, personally visited the sites on August 17 to oversee recovery efforts and ensure the safety of residents.

Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, inspecting the fire site in Changjeon-dong. Courtesy of Mapo District Office.

At approximately 8:11 a.m. that day, a fire of unknown origin broke out in an apartment in Changjeon-dong, resulting in the deaths of two residents and injuries to thirteen others. A total of 124 residents were urgently evacuated; some of the injured received first aid at the scene and were transported to nearby hospitals.

Upon hearing news of the fire, Mayor Park arrived at the scene to assess the damage and instructed officials to ensure the prompt evacuation and relief of residents. The district office relocated evacuated residents to the apartment’s community center, immediately provided drinking water and relief supplies, and arranged accommodations at nearby hotels for those in need. Mayor Park personally consoled residents on site, checked their safety, and urged swift recovery efforts in cooperation with the building management office.

Earlier that same day, at 4:21 a.m., a fire also broke out at a restaurant in Gongdeok Market. The fire started near an instantaneous water heater and partially destroyed the kitchen, but fortunately, there were no casualties. After visiting the Changjeon-dong fire site, Mayor Park immediately proceeded to Gongdeok Market to inspect the damage.

Mayor Park instructed officials to remove any obstacles blocking fire truck access during emergencies, and emphasized the need to secure fire lanes by organizing tangled wires and dismantling fixed roofs.

Mayor Park Gangsu stated, "I express my deepest condolences for the precious lives lost in this sudden fire," and added, "The district will spare no effort to provide all necessary support so that affected residents can regain stability as soon as possible."