Fire authorities have revised their strategy for the massive fire at the Incheon Coupang Logistics Center, shifting focus to an exterior attack due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building. The decision prioritizes the safety of the firefighting personnel, opting for a controlled approach on the building’s exterior rather than a risky interior assault.
Revised Firefighting Strategy Emphasizes Exterior Attack
On October 18th, Choi Yong-cheol, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Commissioner, convened a situation assessment meeting at the Incheon Seogu fire site. The meeting included representatives from the Incheon Fire Department, police, local government officials, and structural engineering experts. The primary agenda was to re-evaluate the firefighting tactics in light of the ongoing blaze and the potential for building collapse.
Discussions centered on the possibility of the structure succumbing to the prolonged fire. Following expert consultations, fire officials decided to proceed with an operational plan that ensures the safety of the responding units. This revised plan involves concentrating efforts on the building’s exterior, utilizing external ramps and other access points to combat the flames.
Deployment of Specialized Equipment and Resources
To effectively manage the fire and prevent its escalation, a significant deployment of specialized firefighting equipment is underway. This includes large-volume foam 방수 systems, high-performance chemical fire trucks, and high-rise ladder trucks equipped with cutting and breaking tools. The objective is to cool the building’s exterior and create firebreaks to contain the spread.
In preparation for a prolonged operation, lighting has been installed to facilitate nighttime firefighting, and a system for rotating crews and providing recovery support is being established. This ensures that firefighters can maintain operational effectiveness over an extended period.
National Mobilization of Firefighting Assets
The National Fire Agency issued the third national fire mobilization order at 6 PM on the day of the assessment. This order called for the additional deployment of 54 specialized vehicles, including high-rise ladder trucks, water tankers, and recovery support vehicles, from eight regions across the country: Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daejeon, Sejong, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Jeonbuk.
As of the latest reports, the Incheon Coupang Logistics Center fire scene has seen the mobilization of 412 personnel from fire and police departments, supported by 155 pieces of equipment. All 121 individuals who were inside the building when the fire broke out have been safely evacuated. Tragically, one firefighter sustained injuries during the suppression efforts and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Commissioner’s Call for United Effort
Commissioner Choi Yong-cheol emphasized the critical need for a meticulous assessment of the building’s collapse risk. “We must systematically advance our firefighting operations within the scope that guarantees the safety of our responding units,” he stated. He urged for the full mobilization of available firefighting resources and specialized equipment nationwide to bring the Incheon Coupang Logistics Center fire under control.
The fire, which began at the Incheon Coupang Logistics Center, has presented significant challenges due to the scale of the facility and the nature of the materials stored within. The decision to prioritize an exterior attack reflects a strategic adaptation to mitigate risks while continuing the fight against the blaze. The coordinated response involving multiple agencies and the deployment of advanced firefighting technology underscore the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to resolving it safely and effectively.
