GalleryResidents flee as fire devastates Seoul shanty townGuryong, on outskirts of South Korean capital, carries high fire risk due to cramped homes built with combustible materials, experts warn.
## Incident Report: Fire in Guryong, Seoul
Incident Report: Fire in Guryong, Seoul
A significant fire incident occurred in a shanty town on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea, leading to the destruction of numerous homes in the area.
Approximately 300 firefighters were deployed on Friday to combat the fire threatening Guryong, a low-income area within the affluent Gangnam district. The fire was successfully contained within six hours, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time.
Local fire officer Jeong Gwang-hun confirmed that emergency teams are performing comprehensive searches of all affected structures to ensure no individuals are trapped or missing. The operation involved more than 1,200 personnel, including firefighters and police officers.
A significant fire incident occurred in a shanty town on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea, leading to the destruction of numerous homes in the area.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The area has a history of frequent fires, attributed to the densely packed residences built with flammable materials.
Guryong is contrasted by its proximity to wealthier districts characterized by luxury apartments and upscale retail centers, highlighting the pronounced wealth disparity in South Korea. The settlement originated in the 1980s as a refuge for those displaced by urban development initiatives intended to improve Seoul's image prior to the 1988 Olympic Games.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.