Major Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center, National Fire Mobilization Order Issued

[26.07.18] Massive Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center, Overnight Extinguishment Expected... 'National Fire Mobilization Order' Issued

A massive fire has broken out at a Coupang logistics center located in Seohae-gu, Incheon, prompting the issuance of a National Fire Mobilization Order, and fire authorities are concentrating all efforts on extinguishing the blaze amidst the risk of building collapse and thick smoke.

1. Overview of the Fire and Initial Evacuation

At approximately 6:54 AM on the 18th, a large-scale fire broke out on the 6th floor of the 8-story Coupang 32 Logistics Center, which spans a total floor area of 299,000 square meters, located in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon. The flames rapidly spread to the 7th floor along the outer wall, feeding on combustibles inside the building, and formed massive pillars of black smoke visible from more than 10 kilometers away.

Immediately following the outbreak, an urgent situation unfolded inside the logistics center with the generation of massive amounts of smoke accompanied by multiple explosion sounds described as 'bangs'. All 121 employees and officials working inside the center at the time evacuated on their own immediately after the fire alarm, successfully preventing large-scale casualties.

However, during the initial firefighting operations, one firefighter in his 40s deployed to the scene sustained injuries from excessive smoke inhalation while battling the flames using a ladder truck. The firefighter was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, and no further casualties have been reported as of yet.

In particular, due to the structural nature of the logistics center with its open floor layouts, a continuous influx of oxygen caused the flames to grow uncontrollably. Fortunately, thanks to regular fire evacuation drills, the on-site workers were able to swiftly exit the building without confusion. Meanwhile, the firefighter transported for smoke inhalation is reportedly in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries and is currently resting.

The fire started on the 6th floor and spread to the 7th; 121 people safely evacuated, but one firefighter was injured.

2. Escalation of Response Level and Resource Mobilization

As the scale of the fire rapidly increased, fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 9:15 AM, and later upgraded it to a Level 2 response at 12:25 PM, which mobilizes all personnel from the competent fire station. When difficulties in containing the blaze persisted, a National Fire Mobilization Order was abruptly issued at 3:15 PM to concentrate firefighting forces from other cities and provinces at the site.

Subsequently, at 8:40 PM, marking the 14th hour of the fire, a 4th mobilization order was issued to further reinforce equipment and personnel on a national scale. As a result, a total of more than 412 personnel and over 155 pieces of equipment, including firefighting forces dispatched from five cities and provinces—Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon—were deployed to the scene.

The mobilized special equipment included aerial and articulated ladder trucks for high-rise firefighting above the 6th floor, as well as high-capacity water cannon systems, high-performance chemical engines, and unmanned destruction waterproof vehicles. Such large-scale resource mobilization reflects the national severity of the fire and is part of an all-out war to prevent further spread of the flames.

The issuance of a 4th mobilization order, which heavily draws upon available resources from other provinces, strongly indicates the severe magnitude of this disaster. The high-capacity water cannon system deployed at the scene can spray tens of thousands of liters of water per minute, playing a crucial role in suppressing massive warehouse fires. The National Fire Agency has firmly established an integrated on-site command system to ensure that the support personnel gathered from across the country can operate cohesively.

Following the issuance of the National Fire Mobilization Order at 3:15 PM, up to a 4th mobilization order was given, deploying nationwide firefighting forces.

3. Difficulties in Firefighting and Tactical Changes due to Collapse Risk

The main reasons for the prolonged firefighting operation are the structural characteristics of the logistics center and the nature of its cargo. The 6th floor, the point of origin, is a large warehouse structured with 3-tier shelves densely packed with combustible household goods vulnerable to fire, such as cardboard boxes and plastics, making it difficult for the flames to die down.

In addition, the interior space of the center is vastly wide, and the building is filled with thick smoke and high heat generated during combustion, making it impossible for firefighters to secure visibility. Choi Yong-cheol, head of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Team, presided over a situation judgment meeting and seriously discussed the risk of collapse due to the degradation in strength of the steel structures exposed to high heat for a long time.

Accordingly, the fire authorities, accepting the advice of building structure experts, have completely restricted forced entry into the interior, prioritizing the safety of the firefighters. Instead, they are conducting exterior water spraying operations utilizing side ramp areas and have shifted to defensive tactics using unmanned equipment to cool the building and halt the spread of combustion.

As signs of steel columns and beams potentially undergoing thermal deformation after prolonged exposure to high heat were observed, the command strictly instructed on-site crews to maintain a safe distance. Firefighting drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are hovering above to monitor temperature changes at the ignition point and signs of collapse risk in real-time. Completely eliminating the hidden embers beneath the mountainous piles of debris will require heavy machinery like excavators, meaning complete extinguishment will take a considerable amount of time.

Large amounts of combustibles are stacked inside, and considering the risk of building collapse, authorities are focusing on exterior cooling water sprays rather than forced entry.

4. Joint Support System of Relevant Agencies and Local Governments

To respond to the prolonged disaster situation, an organic joint response system involving fire, police, and local governments was activated at the scene. As the fire generated massive amounts of toxic smoke, the Seohae-gu Office in Incheon quickly set up a temporary shelter at Sinhyeon Elementary School to support residents and prevent harm.

The Incheon Police Agency also dispatched a large-scale force for public order and site control. Under the direct command of the Seobu Police Chief, 85 police officers were deployed around the fire scene to operate a disaster situation room, control traffic for the smooth entry of fire engines, and establish safety lines to block access by nearby residents.

Simultaneously, fire authorities strengthened the on-site support system in preparation for a long battle of overnight firefighting. Numerous lighting vehicles were deployed throughout the site to secure nighttime visibility, and to protect firefighters at risk of exhaustion amidst the heat wave and high temperatures, authorities are focusing on managing their stamina by operating systematic shift teams and mobilizing recovery support vehicles.

As the acrid smell spread to nearby residential areas, the local government stepped up resident protection by urgently supplying relief items such as gas masks and bottled water. Emergency medical systems are also in full operation, with ambulances and medical staff on standby around the scene to frequently check the health conditions of the firefighters. Furthermore, to prevent traffic congestion during commuting hours, authorities are actively guiding citizens to use detour routes via local broadcasts and disaster text messages.

Seohae-gu set up a resident shelter, and the police deployed 85 personnel to jointly operate site control and a disaster situation room.

5. Government Directives and Coupang's Official Statement

In relation to this massive logistics center fire, demands for a swift government-level response also followed. Immediately after being briefed on the fire situation, President Lee Jae-myung strongly instructed relevant ministries to "devote all-out efforts to extinguish the fire by mobilizing all available resources and to make every effort to prevent the damage from spreading to the surrounding areas."

Coupang, the operator of the facility, expressed its official intention to apologize regarding the handling of the situation. Coupang CEO Jeong Jong-cheol expressed his regret through a statement, saying, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize for causing great concern to the residents of Incheon and the public due to this fire."

Furthermore, Coupang promised, "Above all, we will make the safety of the dedicated firefighters at the scene our top priority and actively support the firefighting operations underway." They also emphasized that they would transparently and actively cooperate with all investigation procedures by relevant authorities, including identifying the cause of the fire, which will proceed after the extinguishment is complete.

As soon as the extinguishment operations are fully concluded, a joint forensic investigation involving the police, fire department, and National Forensic Service will be conducted to meticulously determine the exact cause of the fire. Coupang added that they would promptly prepare practical compensation measures, including livelihood support and reassignment to nearby centers, for the workers who immediately lost their workplace due to the fire. Prompted by this incident, the government is considering strong follow-up measures to review the fire facility standards and safety management practices of mega-logistics centers nationwide from scratch.

President Lee Jae-myung issued an order for all-out extinguishment, and Coupang announced an official apology and active cooperation in the investigation.

Category	Key Details
Date & Time	Around 6:54 AM on the 18th
Location	6th Floor, Coupang 32 Logistics Center, Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon
Damage Status	121 safely evacuated, 1 firefighter injured (smoke inhalation)
Mobilized Resources	Over 412 fire/police personnel, over 155 equipment units
Response Level	Level 2 Response & 4th National Fire Mobilization Order

[Case Summary] Status of Massive Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center

The main facts related to the response to the fire at the Coupang Logistics Center in Seohae-gu, Incheon are as follows.

• Fire Outbreak & Spread: The fire that started on the 6th floor spread to the 7th, burning a large amount of cargo, accompanied by explosion sounds.
• Nationwide Mobilization: Large-scale personnel and special equipment were deployed from 5 provinces/cities following the National Fire Mobilization Order.
• Tactical Shift: Considering the risk of building collapse, forced interior entry was blocked, focusing on exterior water spraying using special equipment.
• Follow-up Measures: Operation of local government's temporary shelter, President's order for all-out extinguishment, and Coupang's public apology and promise of cooperation.

Related Tags: Coupang logistics center, Incheon fire, Seongnam-dong Seohae-gu, National Fire Mobilization Order, President Lee Jae-myung, National Fire Agency, high-capacity water cannon system