Sejong Apartments Hit by Fires Linked to Battery Issues and Electrical Faults

Sejong has experienced a series of apartment fires in recent days, with authorities suspecting battery thermal runaway and electrical issues as the primary causes. Three separate incidents were reported within a two-day span, leading to significant property damage.

The latest fire occurred early Tuesday morning in a 29th-floor apartment in Saerom-dong. While no injuries were reported, the blaze caused an estimated 1.26 million Korean won in damages. Fire officials believe the fire started while a portable battery was being charged.

On the previous evening, a fire broke out on the sixth floor of an apartment in Jochwon-eup, also suspected to be caused by thermal runaway during the charging of a wireless charger. This fire, which was extinguished in 18 minutes, caused approximately 7.45 million won in property damage.

A third incident involved an air conditioner power cord short circuit in an apartment in Godeung-dong, resulting in an estimated 9.1 million won in damages. Fire officials are urging residents to exercise caution, noting that thermal runaway, often triggered by overcharging or external impacts, is a frequent cause of fires involving batteries.