A fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing plant in Hwangnyong-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju, at around 8:55 PM today (the 25th).

While no casualties have been reported so far, thick black smoke is billowing into the sky and the flames are spreading rapidly.

About 10 minutes after receiving the report, firefighting authorities issued a Level 1 response, mobilizing all personnel and equipment from the local fire station. They have deployed 25 fire engines and 75 personnel to battle the blaze.

Police are also working to verify whether there are any casualties by checking the locations of foreign workers and others employed at the factory.

Following the outbreak, Jangseong-gun issued a safety alert text message advising citizens to "beware of smoke inhalation and use detour routes."

(Photo provided by Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Fire Headquarters, Yonhap News)