Incheon Coupang logistics center, the size of 42 soccer fields, not subject to enhanced sprinkler standards amid three-day fire

A massive Coupang logistics center in Incheon, equivalent in size to 42 soccer fields, has been engulfed in flames for three consecutive days. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which began on April 18th. The scale of the facility, with a total floor area of 299,000 square meters, presents significant challenges.

The crux of the issue lies in the building's construction timeline. The Coupang logistics center received its architectural permit in May 2020 and was completed in 2023. This means it does not fall under the "Warehouse Fire Safety Performance Standards" that took effect in January 2024. These newer regulations were specifically designed to address the unique fire risks associated with large, high-ceilinged warehouses storing combustible materials.

Prior to these updated standards, warehouse sprinkler systems had to meet the same requirements as those for apartments or hotels, which proved insufficient for facilities like the one that burned. The new regulations mandate the installation of "large-drop sprinklers" with double the water output and sprinkler heads placed every 3 meters to account for high shelving. The Incheon center, with its 10-meter-high ceilings and densely packed shelves up to 8 meters tall, would have benefited from these enhanced safety measures.

This situation highlights a broader concern: out of 81 large logistics warehouses nationwide exceeding 100,000 square meters, many likely adhere to older, less stringent fire safety codes due to the typical 2-3 year construction period between architectural review and completion. The fire, which started on the 6th floor, has been ongoing for over 52 hours, with 231 pieces of equipment and 812 personnel deployed to combat it.