Kumho Tire Factory Criticized for Inadequate Fire Safety Equipment Prior to Blaze

Sprinklers and Other Equipment Rated as Defective for Three Consecutive Years

It has been confirmed that Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, where a major fire recently broke out, had received criticism several months ago for having inadequate fire safety equipment in some areas.

According to the "2025 Fire Safety Facilities Self-Inspection Report" submitted by the Gwangju Gwangsan Fire Station to Representative Shin Jeonghun of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Naju and Hwasun, South Jeolla Province) on the 27th, Kumho Tire had its fire safety facilities inspected by an external fire safety management company between January 14 and February 5 of this year.

Black smoke is billowing from Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory due to a fire that occurred on the morning of the 17th. Photo by Song Bohyun

The inspection found that some fire extinguishing equipment, including powder extinguishers, automatic diffusion extinguishers, and sprinklers, were defective. In particular, it was pointed out that additional automatic diffusion extinguishers were needed around the refining section, where the recent fire is believed to have started.

Sprinklers were found to have been rated as defective for three consecutive years since 2023. In addition, problems were also found with the automatic fire detection system, visual alarms, and emergency exit lights.

A Kumho Tire official previously explained, "The carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system and other equipment operated normally," and added, "We have been conducting monthly self-inspections to check for any abnormalities."

At Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory, a fire broke out in the refining building at around 7:11 a.m. on the 17th, burning more than half of Factory 2. The fire was extinguished at 11:50 a.m. on the 20th, three days later. As a result of this fire, one factory worker was seriously injured while evacuating, and two firefighters sustained moderate to severe injuries.