North Korea's trash balloon causes record damage with fire at Paju warehouse

The fire marked the largest property damage to date caused by the North's trash balloons.

A fire broke out at a warehouse in Paju, Gyeonggi, after a trash-laden balloon launched from North Korea landed on its roof on Sunday afternoon. [GYEONGGI-DO BUKBU FIRE SERVICES]

A fire broke out at a warehouse in Paju, Gyeonggi, after a trash-laden balloon carrying a detonator that was launched from North Korea landed on its roof on Sunday afternoon.

The fire resulted in the most expensive property damage case to date caused by the North's trash balloons.

A fire broke out at a warehouse in Paju, Gyeonggi, after a trash-laden balloon launched from North Korea landed on its roof on Sunday afternoon. [GYEONGGI-DO BUKBU FIRE SERVICES]

The fire, which began around 2 p.m. and was extinguished after three hours, destroyed 330 square meters (3,550 square feet) of the warehouse roof, according to Gyeonggi-do Bukbu Fire Services on Monday. No casualties were reported.

However, the fire authorities estimate that it caused 87.3 million won ($65,140) in property damage.

A device suspected to be a detonator attached to the balloon was found at the scene, leading authorities to believe that the fire started when it ignited the trash. They are conducting a further investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Debris from the scene has been collected and handed over to military authorities for analysis.

In response to the balloon launches, South Korea's military has been broadcasting anti-North Korean messages via loudspeakers in front line areas. The broadcasts, which were partially resumed on July 18, have been in full operation since July 21.

"The psychological warfare broadcasts [targeting North Korea] need to be carried out for a sustained period to yield effective results," a spokesperson from the JCS said during a press briefing Monday. "We are continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact."

Recently released government data found that the trash balloons from North Korea have inflicted a total of 100.52 million won worth of property damage on the greater Seoul area since May.

A May 29 accident at a logistics center in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, was listed as the most expensive case before the Paju warehouse fire, with a reported cost of 15.71 million won. A vehicle parked in the center’s compound was destroyed after a balloon fell on it.

No legal grounds or provisions cover losses incurred by the North's balloons. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety promised to swiftly help municipalities compensate residents for losses and damages before any legislation is enacted.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]