Investigation Into Cause of Kumho Tire Fire...Joint Investigation Team Launched

Eight Agencies, Including the National Fire Agency, to Conduct Investigation Until June 20
Scientific Analyses, Including Reenactment Experiments on Ignition Devices
Comprehensive Investigation into Damage Pathways and Possibility of Arson
Report to Be Compiled for Policy Improvements

The National Fire Agency will operate a Central Joint Fire Investigation Team to determine the cause and extent of the damage from the fire at the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangju.

According to the National Fire Agency and other sources on May 22, the investigation team consists of 16 members from 8 organizations, including the National Fire Agency, the National Fire Research Institute, the Disaster Prevention Testing and Research Institute, and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation. The team will conduct on-site inspections and scientific analyses until June 20. Private sector engineering PhDs and university professors specializing in fire and safety will also participate as advisory members.

Black smoke is rising into the sky due to a fire that occurred on the morning of the 17th at the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Boyun

The team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of ignition, the path of the damage, and structural vulnerabilities. In particular, the National Fire Research Institute will lead a reenactment experiment on the device suspected to be the source of the initial ignition to verify its flammability.

In addition, the team will closely examine the electrical and mechanical operating conditions at the time of the fire, the path of fire spread, the possibility of arson, and the adequacy of the response system. The investigation team plans to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential for secondary damages, including human and material losses and the possibility of hazardous material leaks, and use the findings to inform future policy improvements.

An official from the fire authorities stated, "We will share the results of the investigation with relevant agencies and use them to establish effective safety measures."