Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Leads to National Fire Mobilization Order

A fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon, prompting fire authorities to issue a national fire mobilization order. However, the blaze has been difficult to control due to thick black smoke filling the building from burning household goods stored inside.

According to the Incheon Fire Department and Yonhap News, the fire started at 6:54 AM on the sixth floor of the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon.

Fire authorities declared a Level 1 response 2 hours and 21 minutes after the fire began, at 9:15 AM. They escalated to a Level 2 response at 12:25 PM.

A Level 1 response involves the full mobilization of personnel from the local fire station, while a Level 2 response includes personnel and equipment from 5 to 6 neighboring fire stations.

To intensify efforts against the logistics center fire, the National Fire Agency issued a national fire mobilization order at 3:15 PM. A total of 142 vehicles, including 21 high-lift trucks and unmanned firefighting robots from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon provinces, along with 386 firefighters, have been deployed.

Despite the comprehensive response, the fire remains challenging to extinguish. The burning household goods on three-tiered shelves have filled the building with black smoke, which has also spread outside, prompting numerous reports from citizens.

Fire authorities anticipate that it will take considerable time to fully extinguish the blaze.

At the time of the fire, 121 individuals, including logistics center staff, evacuated on their own. However, during the firefighting efforts, a 40-year-old firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after operating a ladder truck.

The Seohae-gu office issued a safety alert, advising nearby residents and vulnerable facilities to close windows and limit outdoor activities due to the significant smoke and dust generated by the fire.

Once the fire is extinguished, fire authorities plan to investigate the specific cause and extent of the damage.