Fire Occurs at Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Amid Intense Heat, Over 400 Evacuated
As the ongoing heatwave forces continuous operation of cooling devices, a fire broke out from an air conditioner outdoor unit in Gwangju.
With an explosion sound and debris flying everywhere, over 400 people in the building were urgently evacuated.
Red flames were seen shooting up between the building's exterior walls, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Citizens passing by were taken aback by the sudden ferocity of the flames. Debris and fragments caused by the fire damaged the front windshield of parked vehicles.
They were unable to contain their surprise at the sudden blaze.
Around the area where the fire broke out, tiles and pieces of marble had scattered across the ground. According to KBC Gwangju Broadcasting, the fire started on the 10th floor of a 15-story building in Chipeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, at around 12:30 PM.
Firefighters quickly responded and extinguished the fire within about 20 minutes, but the 400 individuals inside the building had to evacuate for safety.
Increase in Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Fires, Experts Urge Caution
Authorities suspect that the cause of the fire originated from the air conditioner outdoor unit.
Witness Ko Jae-wook told KBC, "As I stepped out to the first floor, the outdoor unit of the adjacent building exploded, and debris shot out and hit many cars around here. People scattered in surprise when it went 'bang'."
The recent ongoing heatwave has led to a surge in air conditioner usage, increasing the risk of outdoor unit fires.
Statistics indicate that there were a total of 953 air conditioner outdoor unit fires reported nationwide over the past three years, showing a trend of annual increases. Particularly in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, there were a total of 53 reported fires during the same period, with a sharp rise last year.
Experts emphasize the need to refrain from excessive use of cooling devices during heatwaves and to continuously manage the ventilation conditions of air conditioner outdoor units.
Naver TV 'KBC News'
Image Source: SBS News, material photos to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
