Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Contained After 61 Hours

Firefighters have brought a major blaze at a Coupang logistics center in Incheon, South Korea, under control after a grueling 61-hour battle. The fire, which erupted on the morning of July 18th, significantly impacted operations at the massive facility.

The fire originated on the sixth floor of the eight-story building, which spans nearly 300,000 square meters. Firefighting efforts were severely challenged by the large quantities of flammable materials stored inside and the building's complex layout. The flames spread rapidly, reaching the seventh floor and threatening lower levels containing lithium batteries for electric vehicles.

Despite the difficulties, emergency services managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the fifth floor. Firefighters utilized thermal imaging drones to monitor heat buildup and guide their operations. Fortunately, all 121 employees and workers inside the facility evacuated safely when the fire first broke out. However, local authorities issued an evacuation order for nearby residents as a precautionary measure due to concerns about structural integrity, leading approximately 200 people to temporary shelters.

A joint investigation team, comprising officials from the Firefighting Agency, the National Fire Research Institute, and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, will be formed to determine the exact cause and extent of the damage once the site is fully secured.

“

The fire has been largely contained. We will form a joint investigation team to determine the cause and the specific scale of the damage.