The fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has continued for over 37 hours, prompting firefighting authorities to conduct overnight operations for two consecutive days.
According to Yonhap News, the fire, which broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18 at the Coupang No. 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon, had not been fully extinguished as of 8 p.m. on July 19.
Fire authorities have maintained a national firefighting mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from eight nearby provinces. A total of 228 pieces of equipment and 721 firefighters and police officers are currently on site.
On the afternoon of July 19, two excavators and 18 firefighters were assigned to the ramp area connected to the sixth floor of the building to carry out demolition work. This 'destruction operation' aims to create space for smoke to escape and allow water to be sprayed inside the building.
Firefighters also used aerial ladders and articulated vehicles to demolish parts of the exterior walls. Before sunset, helicopters were deployed to spray water from above. Fire authorities plan to assess the internal temperature and smoke conditions through the newly created openings before deciding whether to send in personnel.
The logistics center, which has a total floor area of approximately 299,000 square meters, consists of one basement level and eight above-ground levels. The facility contains a large amount of combustible materials, including cardboard boxes filled with household goods and plastic pallets, and its complex internal rack structure has complicated firefighting efforts.
Initially, fire authorities estimated that the fire could be brought under control by around 11 p.m. on July 19, but they noted that numerous variables at the scene make it difficult to predict an exact timeline.
A fire at the Coupang logistics center in Icheon in June 2021 took three days to control initially and six days for complete extinguishment. The Incheon center is more than twice the size of the Icheon center, raising the possibility of prolonged firefighting efforts.
As smoke from the fire spreads to surrounding areas, residents are experiencing inconveniences. The Seohae District has recommended that 31 nearby daycare centers close for the day on July 20. An elementary school in the vicinity has also decided to suspend classes, although emergency care services at daycare centers will continue.
In Bucheon, where a large amount of smoke has entered the area, officials have sent safety text messages advising residents to close their windows and refrain from outdoor activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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