Coupang Warehouse Fire Enters 5th Day; Major Flames Extinguished, but Anxiety Remains

[Anchor]

The fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has entered its fifth day. While the major flames have been brought under control, it is expected to take more time to fully extinguish the fire, leaving local residents in a state of continued anxiety.

Reporter Kim Gyu-ri has the story.

[Reporter]

Firefighting equipment is lined up as crews continue their suppression efforts.

Smoke continues to leak from the building, and the interior, as seen through thermal imaging cameras, remains glowing red.

It has been five days since the fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon.

The fire has not yet been fully extinguished.

Fire authorities brought the major flames under control on the night of July 20, but crews have been unable to enter the 6th floor, where the fire started, and the 7th floor, where the flames spread.

Instead, considering the risk of structural collapse, they have been spraying water into the logistics center from the adjacent parking tower.

With the major flames contained, the national fire mobilization order has been partially lifted, and suppression efforts are continuing, focused on equipment and personnel from the metropolitan area.

During the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, five years ago, it took 55 hours to contain the major flames and an additional 75 hours to fully extinguish the fire.

This current fire took 61 hours to bring the major flames under control, marking the longest time taken to reach the initial containment stage among logistics center fires in the country.

The evacuation order for residents, which was previously issued due to concerns over potential building collapse, was lifted around 11:00 p.m. on July 20, but many residents are still living in shelters.

About 190 people, excluding those who have returned home, are staying at a temporary shelter set up at a nearby school. They continue to endure uncomfortable shelter life while suffering from respiratory discomfort and anxiety that the fire might flare up again.

Incheon Seo-gu District stated that Coupang has made inquiries regarding compensation for residents. Separately, the district is considering exercising the right of indemnity to bill Coupang for the costs incurred in fire damage recovery and support for residents' supplies.

(Video reporting: Kim Hak-mo, Joo Yong-jin | Video editing: Lee So-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.