Firefighters Eat Boxed Meals on the Ground Near Fire Site... Citizens Show Support with 'Coffee Encouragement'

Controversy Grows Over Poor Meal Conditions at Fire Scene

Nearby Cafe Offers Free Coffee and Rest Area to Firefighters

Local Business Owner Prepays for 100 Cups of Coffee

A controversy has erupted over the poor meal and rest conditions faced by firefighters after footage was released showing them sitting on the parking lot floor eating boxed meals at the site of the Incheon Coupang Logistics Center fire. The National Fire Agency explained that although it had provided resting facilities at the scene, some personnel were unable to eat in proper conditions. The agency pledged to reinforce support systems for meals and rest at disaster sites. In response to the growing debate, small business owners near the fire site are offering free coffee and a resting space to express their support for the firefighters.

Firefighters exhausted from extinguishing the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon, on the 20th are taking a break. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On July 20, YTN reported that firefighters were eating boxed meals while sitting on the floor of a parking lot at a store near the Coupang 32 Logistics Center fire site in Seoknam-dong, Seo District, Incheon. CCTV footage from the area also showed firefighters, after finishing their meal, suiting up in firefighting gear and preparing to return to the scene.

On the 20th, firefighters are extinguishing the fire at the Coupang 32 Logistics Center in Seohae District, Incheon, where the fire has continued for three days. This logistics center caught fire at around 6:54 a.m. on the 18th on the 6th floor, and the fire has not been extinguished for over 50 hours. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Amid continued criticism for not providing firefighters with proper meal and rest spaces, the National Fire Agency released an explanatory statement that day, saying the site was divided into four zones and a total of 22 rest areas were operated. Rest tents, command tents, and recovery support vehicles were stationed on-site. However, due to the large scale of the fire and firefighters being dispersed across multiple zones, it was determined that some firefighters could not access the designated facilities. The agency added, "Conditions at disaster sites can change rapidly depending on the scale of the fire, the number of responders, and the deployment of vehicles and equipment," and promised, "We will conduct even more rigorous checks of meal and rest conditions for field personnel and address any shortcomings."

Firefighters eating on the ground in a parking lot near a store close to the Incheon Coupang logistics center fire site. Photo by YTN

This is not the first time the issue of firefighter meals at major disaster sites has become a public concern. In March last year, during large-scale wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province, firefighters received meals consisting of seaweed soup, braised beans, and kimchi after battling wildfires for hours, which led to controversy over so-called 'inadequate meal plans.' While firefighters continue mop-up operations in challenging conditions, the warm support from local residents and business owners is ongoing.

'At Least Eat Comfortably'—A Cafe Opens Its Doors to Firefighters Who Ate on the Ground

According to Yonhap News, the owner of a Mega MGC Coffee franchise across from the fire site has been providing free coffee and a resting area to firefighters since July 19, the day after the fire broke out. Notices on the store entrance read, "Firefighters are welcome to come in and have your meals," and "Free coffee for firefighters." More than 100 firefighters have reportedly received complimentary coffee there as of the previous day.

Among them, the franchise owner of Mega MGC Coffee located opposite the fire scene has been providing free coffee and a resting area to firefighters since the day after the fire on the 19th. Yonhap News Agency

One firefighter who visited the store said, "I didn't realize the coffee was free and tried to pay, but the owner just gave it to me. I was really grateful, and it was a great source of strength." The store owner shared, "It pained me to see firefighters working for so long without proper meals at the site. I hope they can always feel free to stop by to rest, even briefly."

The fire occurred at around 6:54 a.m. on the 18th at the Coupang Logistics Center 32 in Seoknam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon. Fire authorities declared the initial extinguishment after controlling the major flames at around 8 p.m. on the 20th, 61 hours after the fire broke out, and have since continued with mop-up operations. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Nam Mi-yeon (aged 39), who runs a military supplies manufacturing company nearby, also prepaid for 100 cups of coffee worth 200,000 won for the firefighters. In the early stages of the fire, she opened her company’s parking lot for firefighters to hold meetings and park vehicles, and kept the lights on all night to assist with nighttime operations. Nam said, "I've always felt grateful toward firefighters, police officers, and soldiers who do their work in uniform," adding, "I wanted to offer even a small gesture of thanks to those firefighters who risk their lives to protect our community."

She continued, "When a large-scale disaster occurs, we should not leave everything to the firefighters—the local community also needs to provide support." She added, "Since it looks like full containment will take more time, I plan to pay for another 100 cups of coffee and deliver a thank-you letter as well." The fire broke out at the Coupang 32 Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seo District, Incheon, at around 6:54 a.m. on July 18. The fire authorities declared initial containment of the major flames around 8 p.m. on July 20, 61 hours after the fire started, and mop-up operations are ongoing.

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