[Report] 'Black Smoke' Covers the Sky as Fire Erupts at Kumho Tire Factory

Citizens Halted on Eodeung-daero:
"I've Never Seen a Fire Like This"
Firefighters Deployed, Roads Closed...
Firefighting Efforts Continue

On the morning of the 17th, on Eodeung-daero in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, citizens standing across the road looked toward the factory. Flames that started at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory pushed black smoke into the sky. The acrid smell crossed the street and stung people's noses.

The smoke surged between the trees and spread through the power lines, even drifting above the gas station sign. Traffic during rush hour was paralyzed. Police redirected vehicles and restricted pedestrian access.

A fire broke out on the morning of the 17th at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, and the police have set up a cordon while firefighting efforts are underway. Photo by Song Bohyun

The road in front of the factory was completely blocked off. Dozens of fire trucks entered the factory, and rescue workers were deployed one after another. Hoses were scattered across the ground, and a tent for the command center was being set up at the scene.

A police officer at the scene stopped reporters attempting to cross the cordon, saying, "You can't go any closer. It's dangerous and there's smoke exposure." Citizens also cautiously took a step back.

Most citizens standing by the roadside remained silent. Wearing masks, some crossed their arms and looked up at the smoke, while others stood briefly before turning away. An elderly man said, "I've never seen a fire like this before," leaving only a short remark before walking away.

A citizen is watching a fire that broke out on the morning of the 17th at Kumho Tire factory in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju from a nearby road. Photo by Song Bohyun

The fire broke out at around 7:11 a.m. that day. Fire authorities believe it started in the compounding process, where raw rubber and chemicals used as tire materials are mixed. They explained that a spark from the electric device used to preheat the rubber ignited flammable materials, causing the fire to spread.

The factory's carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system was activated, and employees tried to use fire hydrants, but the flames spread rapidly. One employee was isolated and later rescued by helicopter, and some employees on the roof were also rescued.

Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 7:28 a.m., then raised it to Level 2 at 7:59 a.m. Firefighters from across Gwangju were deployed. As of 11:00 a.m., firefighting efforts are still ongoing.