[Breaking] Fire at Medical Supplies Factory in Hwado-eup, Namyangju... Response Level 1 Issued

A fire broke out around 6:50 PM on May 27 at a medical supplies factory located in Gagok-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do.

A fire broke out around 6:50 PM on the 27th at a medical supplies factory located in Gagok-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters

The fire department declared "Response Level 1," which mobilizes all personnel and equipment from the jurisdictional fire station, at 7:06 PM, 18 minutes after receiving the fire report, and began urgent firefighting operations. So far, 29 vehicles and 76 personnel?including the emergency response team and the Northern Special Response Unit?have been deployed to the scene and are working to extinguish the fire.

The fire was first detected when a witness reported seeing sparks on the factory's exterior wall. As of now, the exact number of casualties or evacuees has not been confirmed.

The fire authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the fire once the flames are completely under control.

Meanwhile, the total number of fire-related reports has reached 42, and black smoke and flames have been observed in nearby areas, increasing anxiety among local residents.

An official from the fire department stated, "So far, there is not a significant risk of further spread, but we are extinguishing the fire with extra caution due to the large amount of combustible materials inside. Ensuring safety is our top priority."