Gwangju Apartment Fire: Evacuation Chaos Due to Candle

A fire broke out around 5:13 AM on the 3rd floor of an apartment in Nodae-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju, on the 8th. The fire was extinguished by the firefighting authorities within 18 minutes, and fortunately, there were no casualties.

However, the fire alarm sounded, causing 32 residents to evacuate in a panic. The fire burned or scorched the interior and exterior of the apartment.

The firefighting authorities quickly dispatched 17 vehicles and 50 personnel to douse the flames.

The cause of this fire is reported to be an 80-year-old resident who fell asleep without extinguishing a candle placed in front of a portrait of his deceased wife. Authorities are currently investigating the exact extent of the damage.

Fire prevention experts emphasize the need for caution when using candles and urge that they must be extinguished before going to sleep.

Particular attention is needed in households with elderly individuals or children.

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