Distribution of 15,000 Masks
Full-Scale Response Including Securing Shelters
A large fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory has covered the sky with black smoke. Provided by Gwangsan District
On May 17, Gwangsan District in Gwangju made resident safety its top priority and launched an all-out response to the fire that broke out at the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory that morning. Immediately after the fire was reported at 7:11 a.m., the district activated its Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and switched approximately 740 employees to emergency duty.
Park Byungkyu, head of Gwangsan District Office, visited the site and directly led the fire response. After the fire authorities issued a Level 2 response, the district has continuously sent safety alert text messages advising residents to keep their windows closed, refrain from going outside, and use alternate driving routes.
An emergency meeting to respond to the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire is being held on site. Park Byungkyu, head of Gwangsan District Office, and fire officials are discussing response measures. Provided by Gwangsan District Office
In particular, to minimize harm to residents from toxic smoke and dust caused by burning tire raw materials inside the factory, the district deployed about 100 public officials to distribute 15,000 dust masks to 38 apartment complexes and the area around Gwangju Songjeong Station within a 1-kilometer radius of the accident. Evacuation orders are also being considered if necessary.
Gwangsan District announced that it has secured 39 temporary shelters in preparation for possible displaced residents and is also preparing emergency relief supplies in advance.
Fire trucks are conducting firefighting operations at the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire scene. Provided by Gwangsan District
The district has also begun responding to potential secondary environmental damage caused by the fire. Gwangju City has deployed air pollution monitoring vehicles near the site, and is working with the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office and other agencies to detect pollution levels around the factory perimeter. To prevent contamination of the Hwangryong River, a primary fence has been installed and measures such as blocking agricultural water supplies are being implemented simultaneously.
Park stated, "We will continue to put the health and safety of residents first and remain vigilant until the very end," adding, "We will mobilize all available resources and means to protect the daily lives of citizens."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
