Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire: Current Situation and Why Firefighting Has Been Difficult for Three Days
이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.
This article is based on the latest available news reports and official information as of 2026-07-20 Korea Standard Time.
As of 7:59 p.m. on 2026-07-20, the fire at Coupang's 32 Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon, was reportedly less intense than before, but authorities had not officially confirmed that the fire was under initial control or completely extinguished.
Fire authorities are working to prevent the flames from spreading to floor 5 while extinguishing remaining pockets of fire inside the building. The risk of structural collapse has reportedly decreased compared with the early stages of the fire. However, residents should continue checking official emergency alerts and announcements from relevant authorities to determine whether evacuation orders have been lifted and when the fire is completely extinguished.
Reports that the flames have weakened do not mean the fire has been completely extinguished.
Fire Developments Since July 18
The fire was reported at approximately 6:54 a.m. on July 18.
Investigators believe the fire started on floor 6 of the logistics center before spreading to floor 7. At the time, 121 people, including employees, evacuated on their own.
During firefighting operations, 2 firefighters were confirmed to have received medical treatment after inhaling smoke or experiencing symptoms of exhaustion.
Fire authorities raised the emergency response level and issued a national fire service mobilization order, deploying personnel and equipment from across the country. By the afternoon of July 20, flames visible from outside had diminished somewhat, but efforts to eliminate burning materials and residual heat inside the building continued.
Why Firefighting Operations Have Continued Into a Third Day
Large logistics centers generally have more extensive interior spaces than ordinary buildings, with goods densely stored on tall shelving units.
This facility also contained large quantities of combustible products, including household goods. When flames penetrate deep into piles of merchandise, water sprayed from outside may not immediately reach the areas where materials are burning.
Dense smoke restricts visibility inside the building, while the structural integrity of components exposed to prolonged heat must also be assessed. Firefighters entering too aggressively could face collapsing structures or exposure to extremely hot smoke, making it necessary to restrict entry while continuing suppression operations.
Rain reportedly helped reduce exterior temperatures to some extent, but it does not automatically extinguish pockets of fire deep inside the logistics center.
Why Lithium-Battery-Powered Robots on Floor 5 Are a Major Concern
According to fire authorities, hundreds of logistics robots powered by lithium batteries were located on floor 5, below the floors affected by the fire.
The total battery capacity was described as equivalent to the large-capacity batteries of approximately 20 electric vehicles. Although the fire has primarily spread across floors 6 and 7, conditions could change rapidly if flames and heat reach floor 5.
Lithium batteries exposed to intense heat or physical damage can experience rapid internal temperature increases, potentially causing combustion to intensify or reignite. For this reason, fire authorities are concentrating on preventing the fire from spreading to floor 5.
However, lithium batteries have not been identified as the original cause of this fire. Determining the precise ignition cause will require an on-site forensic examination and investigation after firefighting operations are completed.
The information currently available does not justify concluding that battery-powered robots caused the fire.
Have the Evacuation Orders Been Lifted?
As the fire continued, concerns emerged about the possible collapse of a ramp structure. Evacuation orders were therefore issued for certain areas surrounding the logistics center on the night of July 19.
By the afternoon of July 20, reports cited fire authorities as saying that the risk of structural collapse had decreased significantly and that they were considering whether to lift the evacuation orders.
However, considering lifting an evacuation order is not the same as actually lifting it. Residents and business operators who previously received evacuation notices should check when those messages were sent and follow the most recent guidance issued by the Incheon Metropolitan Government, the relevant district office, or fire authorities.
Until an official notice confirms that restrictions have been lifted, it is advisable to stay outside restricted areas and avoid approaching the scene.
What Nearby Residents Should Check Now
If you have received multiple emergency alerts, first check the issuing authority and timestamp of the most recent message. Updated instructions issued later take precedence over older evacuation notices.
If smoke is visible outside your windows or its smell enters your home, close the windows and temporarily reduce the use of ventilation systems that draw in outside air. If eye or throat irritation or breathing difficulties persist, move to an area free of smoke and seek assistance from 119 or a medical facility if necessary.
Road restrictions around the logistics center may change as fire engines and heavy equipment move through the area. Approaching the scene out of curiosity could obstruct emergency vehicles, so following designated detours is safer.
Could Coupang Deliveries Be Affected?
The fire may cause changes to the availability of goods stored at the affected facility and to deliveries previously handled by that center. However, it would be inaccurate to assume that every Coupang order will experience the same delay.
Some orders may be dispatched from other logistics centers, and processing conditions can differ depending on the product and delivery region.
Consumers should check their individual order details and Coupang's official announcements for accurate estimated delivery dates rather than relying solely on projections reported in the news. If a delivery is delayed or an order's status remains unchanged for an extended period, check the order details in the app and then consult customer service guidance.
What Has Not Yet Been Confirmed
The precise cause of the fire and the detailed circumstances at the initial ignition point cannot be established until official forensic findings are released.
The total financial damage, including losses involving the building, merchandise, and automated equipment, also cannot be reliably determined from preliminary estimates alone. Some reports have suggested that losses could exceed those of previous logistics center fires, but such projections must be distinguished from the findings of investigations conducted by the company, insurers, and other relevant parties.
The most important developments to verify are official announcements that the fire has been brought under initial control or completely extinguished, whether evacuation orders have been lifted, and the status of surrounding road restrictions. Because conditions may continue to change, any official notices issued after this article was written should take precedence over the information presented here.
이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.