The fire started around 5 a.m. on January 16 in the 4th district of Guryong Village, located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Firefighters have been battling the flames for over four hours.
Initially, the fire department issued a level 1 response at 5:10 a.m., fearing the fire might spread to nearby hills. As the situation worsened, the response level was raised to level 2 at 8:49 a.m.
The fire has now spread to the 5th district of Guryong Village. Currently, 297 firefighters and 85 vehicles are engaged in extinguishing the blaze.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, 47 residents from 32 households in the 4th district have been evacuated. Safety alerts have been sent to residents in nearby districts, including Seocho, Gwanak, Dongjak, and Geumcheon, warning them of smoke and burning odors.
On January 15, the day before the fire, actors Park Hae-il and Song Sae-byeok, along with their agency, NOA Entertainment, participated in a briquette donation event in Guryong Village, spreading warmth and kindness.
The agency, which also participated in similar efforts last year, stated, "We hope to have provided some support to those in need and will continue our volunteer activities to positively impact society."
Reported by Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr