Fire Breaks Out in Compounding Process
Factory Operations Suspended, 183 Residents Evacuated
With the containment rate of the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire approaching 80% just one day after the incident began, fire authorities are considering lowering the response level.
According to fire authorities on May 18, as of 8 a.m. that day, the containment rate was estimated to be between 75% and 80%. Authorities have mobilized a total of 462 firefighters and 168 pieces of equipment to focus all efforts on extinguishing the blaze.
A fire helicopter is circling above to extinguish the fire on the 18th, the second day of the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire. Photo by Yonhap News
The fire broke out at the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory, located in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, at around 7:11 a.m. on May 17, in the compounding process area of Plant 2. For operational convenience, the factory is divided into Plant 1 in the south and Plant 2 in the west. The fire started in the compounding process, which marks the beginning of the entire production line. Compounding is the process of mixing raw rubber with chemicals, and fire authorities have tentatively determined that the blaze began when sparks ignited in an industrial oven used to preheat raw rubber.
Fire authorities stated that they are considering lowering the response level under the National Fire Mobilization Order within the day.
Kumho Tire has decided to completely suspend operations at the Gwangju factory until the fire is fully contained and the aftermath is resolved.
Meanwhile, due to the impact of black smoke and dust, 183 residents from 98 households in four apartment complexes near the factory have relocated to a temporary shelter set up at the Gwangju Women's University gymnasium.
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