President Lee Jae-myung issued an order today (July 18) regarding the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon, stating, "Focus all efforts on extinguishing the fire and take every possible measure to prevent the damage from spreading."

President Lee received a report on the firefighting situation and ordered, "Above all, ensure thorough safety measures for the firefighters on the scene," according to Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential spokesperson.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook also issued an emergency directive to relevant agencies, including the Incheon Metropolitan City government, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Police Agency, and the National Fire Agency, stating, "Ensure strict site control, provide clear guidance to residents, and carry out evacuations if necessary to prevent any harm to the public."

Prime Minister Han specifically instructed the National Fire Agency to "take every precaution for the safety of the firefighters currently battling the blaze" and to "be vigilant against secondary accidents such as internal structural collapses caused by the fire."

According to fire authorities, the fire broke out on the 6th floor of the Coupang 32 Logistics Center in Seohae-gu, Incheon, at approximately 6:50 a.m. today.

The fire department issued a Level 1 response at 9:15 a.m., two hours and 21 minutes after the fire began. They upgraded to a Level 2 response around 12:25 p.m. and issued a national firefighting mobilization order at approximately 3:15 p.m. as they continue to battle the flames.

While 121 people, including logistics center staff, evacuated on their own at the time of the fire, one firefighter in his 40s inhaled smoke during the suppression efforts and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

(Photo: Yonhap News)