A massive fire that occurred at Coupang's 32 Logistics Center in Seo-gu, Incheon has been initially extinguished after 61 hours, and with the partial lifting of the national fire mobilization order this morning, a major turning point has been reached in the intensive firefighting response that had dragged on.
According to the Incheon Fire Department, the fire that broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18th was initially extinguished at 8 p.m. on July 20th after 61 hours. Subsequently, at 9:40 a.m. on July 21st, the national fire mobilization order was partially lifted, and 24 pieces of equipment including high-reach and articulated ladder trucks mobilized from 4 regions—Sejong, Gangwon, North Chungcheong, and South Chungcheong—were withdrawn. However, equipment belonging to Seoul (6 units), South Gyeonggi, North Gyeonggi, and the Central Rescue Headquarters remain at the scene, maintaining response level 2 and making an all-out effort for complete extinguishment.
This fire occurred at a large-scale logistics center spanning from basement level 1 to the 7th floor above ground, presenting difficulties in firefighting efforts. Response level 1, which was declared immediately after the fire broke out, was quickly escalated to level 2, and a national fire mobilization order was issued with firefighting equipment and personnel mobilized from 8 provinces and cities across the nation. The flames continued day and night for several days, creating a situation where massive damage was feared.
Currently, firefighting authorities are conducting water spraying operations only in the ramp sections below the 6th floor where safety has been confirmed, maintaining a cautious extinguishing method. In particular, they are concentrating on clearing remaining flames by employing multiple methods, including the use of thermal imaging cameras to accurately assess the situation inside the fire area. These measures take into account the high temperatures and smoke inside the building, as well as the risk of collapse.