As the heat wave continues, incidents of fires related to air conditioner outdoor units are on the rise.
According to fire authorities, a fire broke out at 9:30 a.m. on July 27 in the outdoor unit room of an 11th-floor apartment in Magok-dong, Gangseo District, Seoul.
The flames spread up the exterior of the building but were extinguished within about 30 minutes. Approximately 40 residents evacuated the building, but no injuries were reported.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, considering the possibility of electrical issues related to the outdoor unit.
On the previous day, July 26, a fire occurred at a factory in Naksan-ri, Waegwan-eup, Chilgok County.
Fire authorities received a report stating that flames were spreading from an air conditioner outdoor unit toward the building. They managed to control the fire by 5:44 p.m., about an hour after the report, and fully extinguished it by 9:24 p.m. using excavators.
The fire completely destroyed a 250-pyeong steel-frame warehouse and damaged a forklift and factory equipment, but there were no casualties. Police and fire authorities are investigating whether the fire actually started from the outdoor unit and assessing the extent of the damage.
Similar outdoor unit fires have occurred in other apartments in Seoul. On July 23, a fire in an outdoor unit at an apartment in Okusudong, Seongdong District, forced about 20 residents to evacuate.
On June 29, a fire started in an outdoor unit installed on the exterior of a building in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, resulting in the destruction of five outdoor units. Property damage was estimated at around 8 million won.
In the past five years, there have been over 2,100 fires nationwide involving air conditioning and cooling devices, resulting in more than 160 casualties and property damage exceeding 14.1 billion won.
More than 60% of these fires occurred in apartments and other multi-family housing. Electrical issues, including poor contact, damaged wiring, and insulation deterioration, accounted for about 80% of the causes.
The outdoor unit expels heat absorbed from inside the air conditioner. However, if items are stacked around the outdoor unit or if the ventilation window is closed, hot air can become trapped, leading to overheating.
Dust accumulation on wires and terminals can increase the risk of sparks if current flows for extended periods. Old or damaged wiring and loose connections can also be fire hazards.
Residents should not continue using the air conditioner if they notice unusual vibrations, strange noises, burning smells, smoke, or signs of melting. They should turn off the power and have it inspected, and if smoke or flames are visible, they should immediately call 119 and evacuate to a safe location.
To prevent fires, it is essential to fully open the ventilation window of the outdoor unit room to allow heat to escape. Avoid placing flammable items such as cardboard boxes, plastic, and trash near the outdoor unit, and regularly remove dust and leaves.
Ensure there is enough space between the outdoor unit and the wall for heat to dissipate. Instead of connecting multiple electrical devices to a single power strip, use a dedicated outlet for the air conditioner, and regularly check for any pinched or frayed wires.
The Gyeongbuk Fire Department has identified strong heat, vibrations, unusual noises, burning smells, and smoke as warning signs of potential outdoor unit fires. They urge residents to install outdoor units in well-ventilated areas, maintain a distance of at least 10 cm from walls, and remove nearby flammable materials.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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