Flames Persist at Coupang Logistics Center Despite Rain; Growing Concerns Over Duration

The Coupang 32 Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, remains ablaze today (July 20), marking the third day since the massive fire broke out.

Although there was significant rainfall starting early this morning, the flames at the top of the building continued to fluctuate in intensity.

Black smoke billowed incessantly from between the outer walls, blanketing the sky, while parts of the charred exterior structure collapsed to the ground with a loud roar.

The fire, which began on the 6th floor of Building B of the eight-story logistics center at 6:45 a.m. on July 18, spread to the upper floors of Building A yesterday.

Approximately 30 high-rise and articulated ladder trucks, capable of spraying water up to 70 meters, continuously directed water streams toward the upper levels of the building, while drones were frequently deployed to monitor the situation at the top.

Fire authorities are facing difficulties in extinguishing the blaze because the large-scale logistics center, which features a three-tier rack structure, is packed with a vast amount of flammable materials, including household goods.

However, it is reported that the fire has not spread to the 4th and 5th floors, where logistics robots are located.

The fire department issued a national firefighting mobilization order, drawing personnel and equipment from eight nearby cities and provinces, and has deployed 812 firefighters and police officers along with 231 pieces of equipment.

Although authorities initially expected to have the fire under initial control by 11:00 p.m. yesterday, they have been unable to extinguish it for over 51 hours.

A fire official stated, "We are conducting suppression operations using equipment from outside the building due to the intense heat and thick smoke," adding, "It is currently difficult to predict when the fire will be brought under initial control."


As the fire proved difficult to contain, Seo-gu, Incheon, issued an evacuation order for residents within a 116-meter radius of the logistics center's ramp area, effective as of 11:00 p.m. yesterday.

The evacuation order was reportedly issued after a safety manager from Coupang raised the possibility of a collapse in the ramp area during a situation assessment meeting yesterday.

While there are no residential areas within the evacuation zone, it does include shops and factories located to the south of the Coupang logistics center.

Nearby businesses forced to suspend operations due to the evacuation order watched the scene from outside the control line, unable to hide their anxiety.

The owner of a prefabricated panel business said, "I have goods that need to be sent to Gangwon-do today, but I cannot retrieve them," adding, "It is natural to follow the control measures, but I am worried that this might drag on, not just for a day or two."

An official from a nearby furniture manufacturing company also sighed, saying, "What kind of disaster is this? We have 14 employees, and it is frustrating not knowing when the restrictions will be lifted."

With concerns over a potential collapse, site access control has been further tightened.

The press area, which previously allowed access near the logistics center, has been restricted to outside the evacuation zone for safety reasons, and the integrated support headquarters established by Seo-gu at the site has also been relocated.

In preparation for any contingencies, Seo-gu has set up temporary shelters at three locations: Sinhyun Elementary School, Sinhyunbuk Elementary School, and Sinhyun Girls' Middle School.

A total of 96 households (178 people) are currently staying at the shelters, with 46 households (75 people) at Sinhyun Elementary School and 50 households (103 people) at Sinhyunbuk Elementary School. No residents have evacuated to the additionally designated Sinhyun Girls' Middle School yet.

It is reported that these individuals were not subject to the mandatory evacuation order but sought shelter voluntarily due to concerns over smoke and dust.

The Incheon chapter of the Korean Red Cross has provided a disaster recovery support bus to the site for firefighters to rest and has set up shelters and emergency relief kits at the evacuation centers.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.