Yoon Ho-jung, the Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety, visited the Coupang logistics center fire site in Incheon on July 20, promising government support as the fire continues for a third day.
During his visit, Yoon met with Incheon Mayor Park Chan-dae and received updates on the firefighting efforts from Choi Yong-cheol, head of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Headquarters. He conveyed President Lee Jae-myung's directive to focus on extinguishing the fire while ensuring the safety of personnel on the ground, stating, "Currently, rapid suppression is the top priority."
He emphasized, "The safety of firefighters operating in hazardous conditions, such as toxic gases and extreme heat, is of utmost importance," adding that suppression efforts must occur only when safety is assured. He also noted the importance of supporting residents to restore their daily lives to prevent prolonged inconvenience due to evacuation orders issued in nearby areas due to concerns of building collapse.
Yoon stated, "We are responding through a nationwide mobilization of firefighters, and the central government will spare no effort in providing necessary support." He pledged to work with local governments to prevent further damage and contain the fire's spread. Additionally, he mentioned plans to establish fire safety measures and enhancements for large logistics warehouses in the future.
After inspecting the site, Yoon visited a temporary shelter set up at Shinhyeon Elementary School, where he met with affected residents. He urged city and district officials to ensure that relief supplies and meals are provided without interruption until residents can safely return to their daily routines.
The fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon, at 6:54 a.m. on July 18, starting on the sixth floor and spreading to the seventh floor via the exterior walls. Fire authorities have mobilized over 800 personnel and more than 200 pieces of equipment, including pump trucks, to combat the blaze, but full suppression is expected to take more time.
Meanwhile, the Seongnam district issued evacuation orders for businesses and factories within a 116-meter radius of the fire site the previous night due to increased risk of building collapse, and advised nearby daycare centers and elementary schools to suspend operations. Currently, nearly 100 households are staying at the temporary shelter.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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