Coupang Logistics Center Fire in Incheon Continues for 37 Hours ... Overnight Firefighting for Second Day

The fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon has continued for more than 37 hours, with firefighting authorities working overnight for the second consecutive day to bring it under control.

According to the Incheon Fire Department, the massive blaze that broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, at around 6:54 a.m. on July 18 has yet to be extinguished as of 8:00 p.m., more than 37 hours later.

A fire broke out on the 6th floor of Coupang Logistics Center 32 in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon at around 6:54 a.m. on the 18th. Yonhap News Agency

The fire authorities have issued a national firefighting mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from eight neighboring cities and provinces, and plan to continue overnight firefighting operations for a second consecutive day.

At the scene, a total of 228 pieces of equipment—including aerial ladder trucks, articulated vehicles, and helicopters—have been deployed, along with 721 personnel, including firefighters and police officers. On the afternoon of July 19, fire authorities used an excavator in the ramp area (the cargo truck entry and exit path) connected to the center's sixth floor to conduct demolition work, securing ventilation and water spraying space. Additional demolition work was conducted on the building’s outer walls using aerial ladder and articulated vehicles, and before sunset, helicopters continued to douse the site with water.

At a briefing on the morning of July 19, fire authorities estimated the initial suppression could occur around 11:00 p.m. However, they noted that there are many unpredictable factors on site, making it difficult to specify an exact time. Previously, in June 2021, a fire at the Coupang logistics center in Deokpyeong, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, took three days for initial suppression and six days for complete extinguishment. The total floor area of the Incheon logistics center is approximately 299,000 square meters, which is more than twice as large as the Deokpyeong center, so authorities expect that putting out the fire will take a considerable amount of time.

The ongoing fire has also disrupted the operation of nearby childcare facilities. As firefighting efforts have been delayed, the Seohae-gu district office in Incheon recommended that nearby daycare centers close for the day on July 20. A total of 31 daycare centers were advised to close: seven in Seongnam 1-dong, three in Seongnam 2-dong, four in Seongnam 3-dong, and 17 in Sinhyeon-Wonchang-dong.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.