Fire Damage Expands in Seongnam-dong, Incheon... 5 Helicopters Deployed for Extinguishing

A fire that broke out in a bag storage warehouse in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, has spread to adjacent factories, causing increasing damage.

According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters on the 1st, the fire started at around 3:57 p.m. in the bag storage warehouse in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The fire burned eight buildings, including the bag storage warehouse, nearby automobile parts factories, and a wood factory, affecting 10 companies housed in these buildings.

Additionally, three company officials, including Mr. A (39), were injured, and thick black smoke rising with the flames at the fire scene led to dozens of reports to the fire authorities.

The fire department stated that of the three injured, two were transported to hospitals, while the remaining one was not moved as the injuries were not severe.

Fearing the fire would spread further, the fire authorities deployed five helicopters from the Korea Forest Service and the fire headquarters of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon to the scene.

Including these helicopters, a total of 68 pieces of equipment and 134 firefighters are engaged in extinguishing the fire.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The fire department issued a Level 1 response alert, which mobilizes all personnel from the local fire station, at around 4:26 p.m., 29 minutes after the fire broke out.

Seo-gu, Incheon, sent two safety text messages urging nearby residents to evacuate to safe locations and requesting vehicles to take detours, adding, "Since a lot of smoke is being generated, please keep your windows closed."

Incheon Gyeyang-gu and Bucheon-si in Gyeonggi Province, adjacent to Seo-gu, also sent safety messages to residents advising them to "keep windows closed and pay attention to safety."

A fire official said, "We are establishing containment lines and conducting firefighting operations to prevent the fire from spreading further."