Yeongdeok-gun's Largest Traditional Market Reduced to Ashes... 48 out of 78 Stores Completely Burned Down

Fire at Yeongdeok Market in Yeongdeok-eup in the early morning of the 4th... 2 injured

On the morning of the 4th, a fire broke out at Yeongdeok Market in Yeongdeok-eup, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, and firefighters are extinguishing it.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dong-guk Lee] A large fire broke out at dawn in the largest traditional market in Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk, reducing more than half of the entire stores to ashes.

At around 3:31 a.m. on the 4th, a fire occurred at Yeongdeok Market located in Namseok-ri, Yeongdeok-eup, Yeongdeok-gun. Out of a total of 78 stores, 48 were completely burned down and 30 suffered smoke damage.

Two people, including a female merchant in her 70s, inhaled smoke and were transported to a nearby hospital. It was reported that their lives are not in danger.

Upon receiving the report, the Yeongdeok Fire Department issued Response Level 1, deploying about 30 pieces of equipment including pump trucks supported by Pohang and Andong Fire Stations, and about 180 firefighters, totaling 360 personnel. The large flames were controlled around 4:40 a.m., about an hour after the fire started, and completely extinguished by 5:50 a.m.

The fire authorities believe the fire started from a cooling device installed in one of the stores and are investigating the exact cause of the fire through witness statements and other means.

Yeongdeok Market, where the fire broke out, is the largest traditional market in the area, and significant damage is expected as it occurred just before the Chuseok holiday season.

Lee Hee-jin, the mayor of Yeongdeok-gun, who visited the site, said, "We have set up a disaster situation room on site to ensure thorough recovery efforts. Since it is just before Chuseok, significant damage is expected," adding, "We are making every effort to support merchants by preparing a temporary market and other support measures."

On the morning of the 4th, a fire broke out at Yeongdeok Market located in Yeongdeok-eup, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, causing shops to burn.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.