Flames and black smoke are seen rising from the Coupang logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, where a fire has been burning for three days as of the 20th. The fire broke out on the 6th floor of the logistics center at approximately 6:54 a.m. on the 18th and has been burning for over 50 hours. [Yonhap News] 

As the massive fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon continues for a third day, firefighting authorities are proceeding with containment efforts while ensuring site safety against the potential risk of building collapse.

According to the Incheon Fire Department on the 20th, the fire, which began at the Coupang No. 32 Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu, at approximately 6:54 a.m. on the 18th, has yet to be extinguished as of 10:30 a.m. today, more than 51 hours later.

Fire authorities initially expected to bring the fire under control by 11:00 p.m. yesterday, the second day of the blaze, but faced significant difficulties due to the large quantity of combustible materials stored in the center and its complex internal structure.

However, the rain that fell in the Incheon area today has helped lower the heat, and with the flames partially contained in some sections of the facility, firefighting efforts are gaining momentum.

While the fire has been mostly suppressed in one of the two buildings, black smoke continues to billow from the other.

A fire official stated, "We are concentrating high-rise and articulated ladder trucks on the side where black smoke is emitting to tackle the blaze," adding that "work to extinguish residual fires is underway in areas where the flames have been brought under control."

The official added, "We are exerting all efforts with the goal of achieving initial containment within today, though it is difficult to provide a specific time for when the fire will be fully extinguished."

The fire authorities are maintaining the national fire mobilization order issued on the afternoon of the 18th and are continuing suppression efforts with 812 personnel, including firefighters, and 231 pieces of equipment.

Yesterday, authorities carried out 'demolition work' at the junction connecting the ramp area to the 6th floor of the logistics center to ventilate smoke from the building and create space to deploy firefighting water.

Additionally, they have positioned high-rise and articulated ladder trucks to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby SK Incheon Petrochem facility.

Flames and black smoke rise from the Coupang logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, where the fire is entering its third day on the 20th. The fire started on the 6th floor of the center around 6:54 a.m. on the 18th and has been burning for over 47 hours. [Yonhap News] 

Seo-gu District continues to maintain the evacuation order issued at 11:00 p.m. yesterday for an area within a 116-meter radius of the logistics center's ramp area.

The evacuation order applies only to commercial buildings and factories south of the Coupang facility and does not include residential areas. Police officers and firefighters currently working at the scene are also excluded.

It has been reported that 96 households (178 people) are staying at temporary shelters, with 46 households (75 people) at Sinhyun Elementary School and 50 households (103 people) at Sinhyunbuk Elementary School.

Although these residents were not subject to the mandatory evacuation order, they reportedly sought shelter voluntarily due to concerns over smoke and dust.

Seo-gu District has recommended that 31 daycare centers and nearby elementary schools in the vicinity of the site remain closed for the day. As of 10:00 a.m. today, one elementary school and 14 daycare centers have been reported as closed.

Third day of Incheon Coupang logistics center fire [Provided by Yonhap News TV]