UEMS / Ammunition Depot event in Busan, 55th Supply Depot in Beomil-dong, Dong-gu area, Korea, Republic of on Thu 24th October 2024

A fire broke out at a U.S. military base in South Korea, with dramatic footage showing flames ripping through a large building as firefighters battled the blaze.

The cause of the fire at Busan Naval Base is unknown, but it is understood to have begun at 6.30 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to media reports.

The U.S. military is stationed in South Korea to deter aggression against the republic and help ensure stability in Asia. It regularly conducts joint exercises with Seoul's forces.

Footage on social media shows thick plumes of black smoke towering over the base.

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the United States Forces Korea for comment.

The city of Busan sent a text message to the Dong-gu, Jung-gu, Seo-gu, Yeongdo-gu and Nam-gu districts: "A fire broke out at the 55th Supply Depot in Dong-gu and a large amount of smoke and dust is generated, so nearby residents should be aware of window control and safety accidents."

According to the Yonhap news agency, the fire broke out at the 55th Supply Depot in Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, at 6:31 p.m. The 55th Supply Depot is a U.S. military facility used for storing equipment brought in by U.S. forces through the port of Busan.