Summary
Hundreds of firefighters are working to control a large fire in Guryong Village, a shanty town on the edge of Seoul's affluent Gangnam district. The fire started early in the morning and many residents had to leave their homes, but no injuries were reported. The area is known for its closely packed makeshift homes built from flammable materials, which made the area particularly at risk.
Key Facts
- The fire broke out at about 5 a.m. local time in Guryong Village, near Gangnam district, Seoul.
- Authorities raised the fire alert to the second-highest level due to concerns about spreading.
- Around 300 firefighters and 85 fire trucks are involved in fighting the blaze.
- A firefighting helicopter could not be used because of poor visibility.
- Guryong Village is one of Seoul’s last shanty towns, with homes built from flammable materials.
- No casualties were reported, but many residents were evacuated.
- The village's homes were established during major city redevelopment phases in the 1970s and 1980s.
