"Smoke Rising from Umbrella Stand"...Frightening Fire at Wando Elementary School

Over 120 Students and Staff Evacuated in Emergency
"Fire Believed to Have Started from Smart Umbrella Battery"

An unexplained fire broke out at an elementary school in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, prompting the emergency evacuation of about 120 students and staff.

According to the Wando Office of Education and fire authorities, at around 1:29 p.m. on November 3, a fire started in a plastic umbrella stand placed at the entrance on the first floor of the main building of an elementary school in Gogum-myeon, Wando County.

A fire broke out in the umbrella stand at the entrance on the first floor of the main building of an elementary school in Wando County, prompting an emergency response for about 120 students and staff. Photo by Wando Fire Station

The fire scorched the umbrella stand and the surrounding walls, and black smoke spread up the stairs, causing soot to accumulate on the walls and ceiling from the first to the third floor. The fire department estimated the property damage at 2.54 million won.

When the fire alarm sounded, 121 people-including 94 students and 27 staff members-quickly evacuated the building. Staff members managed to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers in about six minutes. By the time the fire department arrived, the fire had already been put out and there were no casualties.

An analysis of the school's CCTV footage found no signs of arson or unauthorized entry. It was also reported that there were no outlets or electrical appliances near the umbrella stand that could have caused the fire.

Fire authorities are focusing on the possibility that the fire may have started from the battery of a 'smart umbrella' that was placed in the umbrella stand, and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.

A representative from the Wando Office of Education stated, "Thanks to the quick response of the staff, major damage was prevented," and added, "We will strengthen fire prevention inspections at schools in the district."