Inferno at South Korean Factory Leaves 5 Firefighters and 2 Workers Injured in Bucheon

BUCHEON, South Korea — A fire broke out at a four-story metal parts coating factory in Nae-dong, Ojeong-gu, leaving seven people injured—including five firefighters who faced hazardous conditions inside the building.

The incident, which involved volatile substances and heavy smoke, prompted response operations from local emergency authorities before being extinguished.

The fire began at approximately 8:38 a.m. in a third-floor cleanroom storing flammable coating materials. Fueled by combustible liquids, the flames rapidly spread through the upper floors of the industrial structure, sending plumes of smoke across the Ojeong District.

Emergency dispatchers issued a Level 1 response within 19 minutes of the initial call. As conditions deteriorated, authorities escalated the alarm to Level 2 at 9:09 a.m., mobilizing approximately 80 firefighters and nearly 40 pieces of firefighting equipment from surrounding stations.

Local municipal officials issued emergency text notifications advising nearby residents to seal windows and remain indoors due to intense smoke hazards.

Five firefighters sustained injuries while combating the blaze, with one firefighter in his 40s suffering severe complications, including temporary cardiac arrest, before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Four additional responders received emergency hospital treatment, primarily for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.

Two factory workers were also treated for injuries sustained during the initial outbreak. One occupant was directly rescued by emergency crews, while four other workers managed to evacuate the building on their own.

Crews contained the main flames around 10:22 a.m. and officially declared the fire fully extinguished by 11:06 a.m.

Government officials, including Prime Minister Han Seong-sook and President Lee Jae Myung, directed emergency agencies to mobilize resources for the injured and ensure full site safety during overhaul operations.

The Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters and local police have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the ignition and are assessing the total structural damage.