A large-scale fire in Guryong Village, Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, was completely brought under control on January 28 after burning for approximately 13 hours. The Seoul fire department reported that the blaze was fully extinguished at 4:39 a.m., prompting the lifting of the Level 1 response activation that had been in place.
Firefighting Efforts and Response Stages
Fire crews first received an emergency report at 3:49 p.m. on January 27 and arrived at the scene to begin suppression operations. It took roughly 12 hours and 50 minutes of continuous work to put out the fire entirely. Earlier, at 2:21 a.m. on January 28, the fire department declared that the main flames had been brought under control and transitioned to clearing remaining embers.
High winds and a scarcity of accessible local water supplies severely hampered early suppression efforts. As the flames continued to spread to surrounding areas, the fire department issued a national firefighting mobilization order at 5:47 p.m. on the previous day. Crews deployed a total of 232 personnel, 110 pieces of equipment, and 6 helicopters to contain the disaster.
Did You Know? The emergency response required escalating to a Level 2 designation before authorities successfully lowered it back to Level 1 at 10:05 p.m. on January 27, following the containment of the primary blaze.
Casualties and Displaced Residents
According to official reports from the fire department, one 30-year-old woman sustained a light injury to her leg and was transported to a hospital for treatment. No other casualties were confirmed as a result of the incident. A total of 39 residents successfully evacuated the area on their own.
Gangnam-gu Office stated that the destruction left 107 residents from 77 households in Guryong Village displaced. Several of these individuals relocated to temporary shelters and makeshift housing facilities established within a nearby middle school.
Residents displaced by the fire seek shelter
When did the fire start and end?
The fire began when emergency services received a report at 3:49 p.m. on January 27. Crews fully extinguished the blaze about 12 hours and 50 minutes later at 4:39 a.m. on January 28.
How many people were displaced by the incident?
Gangnam-gu Office reported that 107 residents across 77 households lost their homes and became displaced. Some of these residents moved to temporary shelters and accommodations set up at a nearby middle school.
What resources did the fire department deploy to fight the flames?
To combat the spreading fire amid high winds and low water supply, authorities issued a national firefighting mobilization order involving 232 personnel, 110 pieces of equipment, and 6 helicopters.
Related reading