A fire of unknown origin broke out on a hill behind the National Election Commission (NEC) on Tuesday, the day Korea held its 9th nationwide local elections.
According to the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, a report was received around 7:50 p.m. that flames were visible on the mid-slope of a hill behind the National Election Commission in Jungang-dong, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes of the fire breaking out and brought the blaze under initial control by around 8:02 p.m., mobilizing 11 pieces of equipment and 33 personnel.
The fire is reported to have destroyed part of the surrounding woodland.
At the time of the fire, officers from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's mobile unit, who had been deployed at the NEC to prepare for any contingencies on election day, reportedly attempted to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers upon learning of the blaze.
The point of ignition was a walking trail located within the NEC compound, an area where intrusion by outsiders is virtually impossible. The site is reportedly about 100 meters from the NEC's main building.
Police and fire authorities are investigating the detailed circumstances of the fire, leaving open all possibilities including arson.
