Joint probe launched into fatal Ulsan paint warehouse fire

Authorities in Ulsan, South Korea, have launched a joint investigation into a devastating fire at a paint warehouse that resulted in one fatality and four injuries. The Ulsan Police Agency, fire department, National Forensic Service, and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) conducted a joint on-site investigation at the fire's origin in Samseong-dong, Nam-gu.

Investigators are meticulously examining the fire scene, focusing on identifying the initial ignition point and the cause of the blaze. They are particularly scrutinizing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that captured the warehouse owner, in his 60s, operating a forklift inside the building minutes before the fire erupted. This visual evidence has led investigators to explore a potential connection between the forklift operation and the fire's ignition.

Given the large quantities of flammable materials, including paint, stored within the warehouse, investigators are also considering the possibility of an explosion triggered by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the owner, who sustained severe injuries in the fire, is currently receiving medical treatment, delaying his direct questioning.

In response to the incident, the Ulsan Fire Department announced a special inspection campaign targeting 59 businesses that handle paint and similar substances in residential areas, set to run until the end of April. A joint task force, comprising fire officials, local government representatives, and the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Agency, will assess hazardous material storage and handling practices, with a particular focus on compliance with relevant laws concerning the management of hazardous chemicals.

The fire, which began around 8:20 a.m. on April 3rd, spread from the paint storage facility to four adjacent buildings, including a villa complex. It took approximately four hours to extinguish. The deceased was a resident in their 60s living on the third floor of the villa, while three other villa residents received treatment for smoke inhalation. The warehouse owner also suffered serious injuries.

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We are focusing on identifying the initial ignition point and the cause of the fire by comprehensively examining the flames and debris from the building where the fire occurred yesterday.