During the fire at the Hanyang Apartment in Apgujeong, Seoul, on July 21, the robot vacuum identified as the ignition source has been confirmed to be a product of the Chinese company Ecovacs. Fire officials suspect the fire started near the vacuum's charging station, but the exact cause has not yet been determined. A definitive cause is expected to be established later this month.
According to industry sources, the robot vacuum used in the fire was confirmed to be from Ecovacs. However, details regarding the specific model and whether it was officially distributed in South Korea remain unclear.
The fire broke out at approximately 10:27 a.m. on July 21 in a fifth-floor unit of the Hanyang Apartment in Gangnam. About 20 residents evacuated, and three were rescued. The fire was completely extinguished by 12:04 p.m.
Witnesses reported seeing sparks from the robot vacuum or suggested that the Chinese-made vacuum exploded, but the precise cause of the fire is still unknown.
Following the incident, inquiries flooded the robot vacuum industry as the brand had not been disclosed. Multiple industry representatives noted that customer service centers of major companies received numerous calls asking about the product involved in the fire. Some companies experienced disruptions in normal customer service due to the volume of inquiries.
The Gangnam Fire Department sent debris from the robot vacuum collected at the scene to the National Forensic Service for detailed analysis. The forensic agency has completed its examination and recently reported its findings to the Gangnam Fire Department. Based on this information, the fire department is expected to finalize the cause of the fire later this month. However, the Gangnam Fire Department has stated that it does not plan to issue a press release or hold a press conference regarding the findings.
Robot vacuums operate using lithium-ion batteries, and the safety of these devices can be influenced by battery management and protection systems that control overcharging and overcurrent.
Meanwhile, the exact model of the product involved, its distribution channels, any issues with the battery or charging device, and other potential ignition sources are expected to be clarified in the final investigation results by the fire department.
An industry insider stated, "I understand that the fire authorities and the National Forensic Service are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Until the relevant facts are confirmed, it is difficult to comment on specific matters."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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