[Anchor]

The major flames at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon were brought under control last night (July 20), but it appears significant time will be needed to fully extinguish the fire. We connect to our reporter on the scene.

Reporter Kim Gyu-ri, it has been four days since the fire started, and firefighting operations are still underway, correct?

[Reporter]

While the smoke has certainly decreased compared to yesterday, there is still no news that the fire has been completely extinguished.

At the scene, firefighting equipment, including ladder trucks, remains lined up as crews continue their efforts.

The fire authorities announced that the major flames were brought under control last night, but firefighters are still unable to enter the 6th floor, where the fire began, and the 7th floor, where it spread.

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

With the major flames contained, the national firefighting mobilization order has been partially lifted, and operations are now continuing with equipment and personnel primarily from the metropolitan area.

[Anchor]

When is the fire expected to be fully extinguished?

[Reporter]

It is expected to take quite some time until the fire is completely put out.

During the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, five years ago, it took 55 hours to bring the major flames under control, and an additional 75 hours were required for full extinguishment.

This current fire took 61 hours to bring under control, marking the longest initial response time among logistics center fires in the country.

[Anchor]

Have the evacuated residents returned home?

[Reporter]

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

About 190 people remain at the temporary shelter set up at a nearby school, excluding those who have returned home.

They are continuing their uncomfortable life in the shelter, 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 costs incurred in fire damage restoration and support for residents' supplies.

(Reported by Kim Hak-mo and Joo Yong-jin | Video edited by Lee So-young)