Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Continues for 37 Hours; Nearby Daycare Centers Recommended to Close

Fire authorities have continued overnight firefighting operations for the second consecutive day to extinguish the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon.
According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters on July 19, the large fire that broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Seohae-gu, Seoknam-dong, at approximately 6:50 a.m. yesterday (July 18) has not been extinguished as of 8:00 p.m. today, more than 37 hours later.
Previously, fire authorities issued a national firefighting mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from eight nearby cities and provinces, and they plan to continue overnight firefighting efforts today, just as they did the previous day.
Authorities have deployed 721 personnel, including firefighters and police officers, along with 228 pieces of equipment, including ladder trucks, articulated fire trucks, and helicopters.
This afternoon, fire authorities deployed excavators to the ramp area (the entry and exit route for cargo trucks) connected to the 6th floor of the center to carry out demolition work, securing space for smoke extraction and water spraying.
Firefighters also conducted demolition work on the building's exterior walls using ladder and articulated trucks, and continued to deploy helicopters to spray water on the scene until sunset.
In a briefing this morning, fire authorities estimated that the initial containment of the fire would be achieved around 11:00 p.m., but noted that it was difficult to specify a time due to the many variables at the scene.
Given the large total floor area of the Incheon logistics center, which is approximately 299,000 square meters, it is expected that the firefighting operation will take a significant amount of time.
As the fire suppression was delayed, Seohae-gu recommended that 31 nearby daycare centers close for the day tomorrow (July 20).
An official from Seohae-gu stated, "Elementary schools near the fire scene have also decided to close tomorrow," adding, "We have provided guidance to maintain emergency childcare services to minimize inconvenience for parents due to the daycare closures."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.